'Sexual Pleasure a Gift from God,' Says Pope Francis, Who Also Advises Against Porn

“Sexual pleasure is a gift from God,” Pope Francis declared during a catechesis on the “vice of lust” at his general audience in Saint Peter’s Square. He stressed the need to cherish sexual pleasure but warned against the harmful impact of pornography, saying that “satisfaction without a relationship can generate forms of addiction.”

The pontiff stressed the importance of defending love while acknowledging that overcoming the battle against lust can be a lifelong endeavour, The Guardian newspaper reported. Last week, the Pope defended his controversial decision to let priests bless same-sex couples but admitted that “solitude is a price you have to pay” when you make difficult decisions.

He doubled down and insisted that the “Lord blesses everyone,” during a Sunday interview with an Italian talk show. However, he acknowledged the remarkable opposition his decision has sparked. According to The Associated Press, Africa’s bishops have united in a continent-wide refusal to implement the Vatican declaration and individual bishops in Eastern Europe, Latin America and elsewhere have also voiced opposition.

Vatican’s declaration last month restated traditional church teaching that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and woman. However, it allowed priests to offer spontaneous, non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples seeking God’s grace in their lives, provided such blessings aren’t confused with the rites and rituals of a wedding.

During a public appearance, Frances recently acknowledged the “resistance” the decision has generated. He blamed it on bishops not really understanding the issue and refusing to open a dialogue about it. Asked if he felt alone, Francis replied: “You take a decision and solitude is a price you have to pay.” “Sometimes decisions are not accepted,” he said. “But in most cases, when you don’t accept a decision, it’s because you don’t understand.” The danger, he said, is that when people who don’t understand refuse to enter into a “brotherly discussion” and instead harden their hearts, resist and “make ugly conclusions.”

(With agency inputs)