Pope Francis and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith distinguish the Church’s unchanging teaching that marriage is an exclusive, indissoluble union between a man and a woman from the broader pastoral meaning of blessings. Liturgical rites that could be confused with marriage or morally legitimise same-sex or extra-marital unions remain prohibited, while simple, non-liturgical blessings may be offered to people, including those in irregular situations or same-sex relationships, who seek God’s help. Such gestures must be spontaneous, brief, and free of wedding-associated clothing, language, gestures, ceremonies, or connection with civil unions; they must not validate a relationship’s status or create scandal. Drawing on Scripture’s descending blessing of grace and ascending blessing of praise, the declaration presents blessings as signs of mercy, inclusion, solidarity, and a desire to grow toward God. Ministers are urged to receive requests pastorally rather than demand moral perfection, while exercising prudence and discernment instead of creating universal rituals or an “intolerable casuistry.”