Pope Francis says those who disagree with his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples will eventually accept it, except for Africans whom he described as a “special case.”

Pope’s statement is in reaction to the criticism he received for approving same-sex blessings for LGBTQ couples month ago.

This statement sparked widespread debate in the Catholic Church and around the world.

Also, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, announced that Catholic churches within the country would not perform blessings for same-sex unions.

The association in a statement said, “That would go against God’s law, the teachings of the Church, the laws of our nation, and the cultural sensibilities of our people.”

Speaking in an interview with Italian newspaper yesterday, Pope noted that Africans perceived homosexuality negatively from a cultural perspective.

The 87-year-old stated that, “Those who protest vehemently belong to small ideological groups. A special case is Africans: for them, homosexuality is something bad from a cultural point of view, and they don’t tolerate it.

But in general, I trust that gradually everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’ declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: it aims to include, not divide. He invites people to welcome and then entrust people, and entrust themselves, to God.”

When asked if he was concerned about a split in the church over the development, Pope Francis said “in the church, there were small groups that manifested reflections of schismatic colour. You have to let them go and pass… and look ahead”.

Speaking about his health challenges, Pope said: “There are some aches and pains but it’s better now. I’m fine”.