Meeting took place at pontiff’s Vatican residence on Oct. 12
Pope Francis approved doctrine office's document on March 25
"Vatican instructions for blessing same-gender couples offered a clear set of parameters for how, when, & what priests are supposed to do"
"Trans person, including those who have had gender affirmation surgery, can be baptized if the person is not likely to cause a scandal”
Pontiff vehemently opposed marriage equality in native Argentina
Retired pontiff resigned in 2013
“We wanted this to be a theological statement, not a political statement,” lead author Francis DeBernardo said
Md.-based New Ways Ministry released declaration on Monday
Decree declares God cannot bless 'sin'
Catholic advocacy groups welcome pontiff's comments.
