Pope Francis responded assertively to critics of his recent decision to bless same-sex couples, denouncing objections from "ideological groups" in the United States and elsewhere as "hypocrisy." In an interview with the Italian magazine Credere, he highlighted the inconsistency of objections, noting that while blessing an entrepreneur who may intend to exploit others isn't scandalous, blessing a homosexual couple is deemed so. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect for all individuals. In December, the 87-year-old Pontiff issued a groundbreaking document permitting priests to bless same-sex unions, emphasizing inclusivity as central to the new directive. Francis defended his decision once more, reiterating the theme of "welcome" at the document's core. He addressed criticism, including resistance from conservative corners of the Church, particularly in Africa, where objections were raised against the cultural backdrop. The Pope differentiated between blessing the "union" and the same-sex couple, explaining his practice of blessing individuals who love each other and asking for prayers. While approving blessings for same-sex couples, Francis also advocated for a universal ban on surrogacy, condemning it as akin to human trafficking. The Pope's statements reflect a continued effort to promote inclusivity within the Church while addressing contentious issues with compassion and firmness. He also mentioned that criticisms voiced in the Church come from small ideological groups who are fierce in their opposition to homosexuality. Something Florida’s LGBTQ+ community has been witnessing a lot! #Queer Up Religion