Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising, has authorised the blessing of same-sex couples across his diocese, directing pastoral workers to follow a joint guidance document issued last year by the German Bishops' Conference and the Central Committee of Catholics. The document, titled "Blessing gives love strength," calls on the Church to offer recognition and accompaniment to couples regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The move is significant but contentious, with conservative Catholics disputing whether the practice aligns with Rome's official position.