Representatives of the Pope say they cannot bless same-sex marriages.

In response to a question asking if unions of people of the same sex could be blessed, representatives of the Holy See, the city-state of the Vatican where the Pope resides, say they can not. 

"It is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (ie, outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex," the statement says.

Quoting Pope Francis's book Amoris laetitia, they say "there are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family."

The church says they see some in the faith community welcoming "homosexual persons to whom are proposed paths of growth in faith" as they carry out God's will. They say they unjust discrimination.

The statement says they cannot bless any relationships that involve sexual activity outside of marriage, and will not bless same-sex couples, saying any wedding ceremony they have would be an imitation of the sacrament of marriage.

"The presence in such relationships of positive elements, which are in themselves to be valued and appreciated, cannot justify these relationships and render them legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing since the positive elements exist within the context of a union not ordered to the Creator's plan."

Priests in Germany have been going against this, allowing same-sex marriages. 

Calling it a "choice of life," the Church says same-sex relationships are a sin. 

The Church, however, says "individual persons with homosexual inclinations" can be blessed.

"The Christian community and its Pastors are called to welcome with respect and sensitivity persons with homosexual inclinations and will know how to find the most appropriate ways, consistent with Church teaching, to proclaim to them the Gospel in its fullness," the release says. "At the same time, they should recognize the genuine nearness of the Church - which prays for them, accompanies them and shares their journey of Christian faith - and receive the teachings with sincere openness."

They say people are more important than sins.

The Pope has previously called for civil unions for same-sex couples. 

“Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family. They’re children of God and have a right to a family," the Pope says in a section of the film Franceso, a documentary about his life and ministry, dealing with pastoral care for those who identify as LGBT. "Nobody should be thrown out, or be made miserable because of it.".