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Same-sex Marriage: Nigerian Priest Defends Pope Francis, Netizens React

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2023

A Nigerian Catholic priest identified as Father Ugochukwu Ugwoke has defended Pope Francis after the Catholic Church head gave permission to blessing same-sex marriage.

Punch Metro reported on Monday that Pope Francis officially granted priests permission to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, under certain circumstances.

However, the Vatican said blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or related to civil unions or weddings.

While throwing his weight behind this development, Father Ugochukwu, via his X, formerly Twitter handle wrote on the title, ‘HAS POPE FRANCIS CHANGED THE CHURCH’S TEACHING ABOUT MARRIAGE?

He noted that though the topic on same-sex marriage is a sensitive one, laws in are divided into three adding that the one Pope Francis can changed he has changed.

Father Ugochukwu wrote, “There has been a whole lot of confusion since the publication of Vatican Document “Fiducia supplicans” in which Pope Francis said that priests can bless same-sex couples. The confusion is quite anticipated and understandable because the topic of same-sex union is a sensitive one.

“But here is the thing. All the laws and regulations in the Catholic Church may be divided into three kinds: 1) Those that the Church has no power to change, never has changed and never will change; 2) Those that she has the authority to change, but most probably never will change; 3) Those that she can change, has changed, and may change again according to the circumstances of a given period of time.”

Speaking on the first type of law, he said the there are two types of law the Catholic Church cannot change -natural moral laws and positive divine law.

The cleric said, “Under the first type of laws, there are two kinds of laws that the Catholic Church has no authority to change or tamper with in any way, that she never has changed and never will change. They are natural moral laws and positive divine laws.

“A good example of natural moral laws is the Church’s teaching regarding marriage as a union between a man and a woman. As a natural moral law, this teaching is universal, unchanging, and unchangeable. Over such laws, the Catholic Church headed by the Pope, has no authority other than that of manifesting how clearly they stand out in human nature and reiterating them to the end of time. She does not consider such matters open to change/dispute or subject to the votes of a majority of the people, because God has decided these things once and for all in the act of creation.

“So, if you think that blessing of same-sex couples will lead to the eventual endorsement and approval of same-sex marriage by the Catholic Church, I want to tell you that such will never happen without the Church running into the risks of schism. Same-sex marriages are sinful and can never be approved. But then, while the Church rejects same-sex union and considers it disordered, she does not condemn same-sex couples.”

Ugwoke’s comment has since drawn reactions on social media.

@ugoBuUgo said, “while the Church rejects same-sex union and considers it disordered, she does not condemn same-sex couples.”

This is the line I think we should emphasize more on.

These couples are humans like us. And if Jesus didn’t condemn sinners, who are we to do so.
Thanks Padre.

Another user who asked the Church not to confuse people on same-sex marriage @hesavictor231 “What are you saying, no one has right to judge them but the church. But the church must cease from trying to confuse us, what do they mean by they don’t condemn them? It means they don’t condemn the act.”

Also reacting, @ogoo_mariana @I think the pope should have just said ‘pray for same sex couples to see God’s light and come to repentance’ and not Bless them. To bless simply means to approve, besides in one of the published documents years ago I remember him saying ‘God does not bless sin’ when he was asked.

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

18 minutes ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

19 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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