Bishop Anyolo defies Pope on directive to bless same-sex couples

Catholic Bishop Philip Anyolo blessed the faithful at the Holy Family Basilica church in Nairobi on Sunday, Dec 24, 2023. [John Muchucha, Standard]

Catholic Church clergy in Nairobi have been prohibited from blessing same-sex couples, a major pushback against Pope Francis' declaration.

In a statement dated December 18, Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo said blessing irregular relationships, unions and gay couples would imply that the Church permits such acts, which he said go against God's word, the teachings of the Church and the African cultural traditions.