(UPDATE) VATICAN CITY: The Vatican on Monday approved blessings for same-sex couples, a hugely contested issue in the Catholic Church, as long as they are not in contexts related to civil unions or weddings.

In a document approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican backed 'the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations (including unmarried couples or divorcees) and for couples of the same sex.' 'One should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God's help through a simple blessing,' it said.