SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Catholic priests cannot bless same-sex marriages in the church according to a new statement released by the Vatican, Monday.

This latest ruling, which was approved by Pope Francis, states that "It is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of a marriage, as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex."

The statement claims that a blessing from a priest is a "sacrament" therefore, they cannot bless same-sex unions.

What You Need To Know

  • The Vatican and Pope Francis released a statement on Monday clarifying that priests cannot bless same-sex unions in the Catholic Church

  • The new ruling says that same-sex unions are not "licit" and therefore cannot be blessed by a priest

  • The ruling has been released after pastors pushed the Vatican to clarify their position on blessings in the church

  • The statement says that the church continues to welcome and accept gay people and that pastors will "know how to find the most appropriate ways, consistent with Church teaching, to proclaim to them the Gospel"

The ruling didn't shock the Catholic community, but it is frustrating to some gay Catholics, who have come to view Pope Francis as a particularly liberal Pope when it comes to gay rights.

For Tom Soto, who is a lifelong Catholic and gay, the statement just clarifies what to fight for.

"As unfortunate as that [the statement] is, we have to recognize it as a line in the sand, something that we can now step over and begin to challenge," said Soto.

Soto's faith remains, unwavering regardless of the Vatican's decisions. He said his faith is between him and God.

"As my mother used to tell me, don't let an old group of men get between me and Christ, that my relationship with Christ is my own relationship," he said.

Soto first joined St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica 34 years ago. He said he attended a 9:30 a.m. mass and knew he had found his spiritual home.

"I'm committed to the community of St. Monica," he said, "the tone of Catholicism that they have is not a break away from the church and it's not conservative and the type of leadership they have provides flexibility for understanding."

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The leadership at St. Monica is headed by Pastor Lloyd Torgerson, who has worked there for 35 years. Torgerson said the Vatican’s statement doesn’t change how he will treat people who come to the church.

"To the people of the gay and lesbian community, we must honor and respect you, embrace you, and love you," he said.

For some, the Vatican's new ruling may sound exclusionary. But Pastor Torgerson said he believes Pope Francis has done what he can, to be as inclusive as possible during his tenure so far.

"Holy Father Francis has done his best to go to the four corners of this earth to bring the message of Jesus Christ and to understand and welcome people," he said.

Tom Soto said, he doesn’t need the Vatican or the Catholic Church to bless his family.

"When Todd and I got together, our relationship was blessed from the day we found one another. We didn't need a blessing from the church, would we enjoy it? Yes," he said. "We are as core of a family as can be, that's the blessing."