Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if the blessings weren’t confused with the ritual of marriage, noting that “marriage” is reserved for men and women.

President of United and Strong, Jessica St. Rose, says the LGBT advocacy group welcomes the decision of the Pope. St. Rose says this avenue bodes well for same-sex couples in the Catholic Church.

“I think the decision of the Pope that the Catholic Church will now be blessing same-sex couples [is] a step in the right direction - it opens a lot of hope for LGBTQ people who practice their faith in the Catholic Church. It’s a long time coming. We have witnessed the Pope being somewhat supportive of the LGBTQ community. We welcome this new decision,” said St. Rose.

According to her, this current statement by the Pope may aid in legislative reform efforts of LGBT advocacy groups in the Caribbean. Following the repeal of buggery laws in Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis by the courts, St. Rose says she hopes to see the same happen in Saint Lucia.