A day after the pope’s announcement that Catholic priests may bless same-sex couples, one New York couple receives theirs.

Blessing of a Christmas Creche or a Manger Scene The manger scene has a special place near the Christmas tree or in another place where family members can reflect and pray during the Christmas season.

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER: Rooted in Christmas wonder at the gift of the Christ Child, we reflect on the blessings and challenges of 2022.

Critics accused Pope Francis of being "a heretic" after he said Catholic Church officials could bless same-sex couples.

The tradition of blessing the Bambinelli is believed to have begun with Pope Paul VI in 1969, and continues at three Catholic churches in Baltimore.

Advocates for LGBTQ people in the Roman Catholic Church are pleased by Pope Francis' significant change of tact Monday, now allowing priests to bless couples in same-sex relationships.

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas message and blessing from the Vatican at noon local time.

Pope allows Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples Pope Francis has formally signed off on allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples -- a radical change in Vatican policy.

Some Catholic bishops say they will not follow the Vatican’s new direction on allowing blessings for same-sex couples and others have fiercely criticized it.