Former President Mary McAleese has accused the Catholic Church of homophobia over its ruling that same-sex unions can't be blessed.
The Vatican's view has been criticised as extremely damaging and upsetting by LGBT groups.
Yesterday the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith's view that same-sex unions can't be blessed - because it's impossible for God to bless sin.
Pope Francis says this decision was not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination.
But that's how it's being interpreted by many in the LGBT community.
Former President Mary McAleese described the ruling as cold and harsh.
"It's the kind of language that hurts people," she said.
"[Pope Francis] is the person who said 'Who am I to judge?'"
"Well, he signed this document that's judgemental and he has to take responsibility for that."
While Ms McAleese stopped short of accusing the Pontiff of hypocrisy she did say he "can't ride two horses at the same time".
Paula Fagan, CEO of LGBT Ireland agreed with the former President's comments.
"It's extremely damaging, its very upsetting for gay and lesbian Catholics both here in Ireland across the world."
My marriage doesn’t need or want the Vatican’s blessing but I know today’s decree is one more painful aggression against LGBT Catholics who do care. We are supposed to be impressed by a pope who vaguely acknowledges our humanity but he is the head of the church. They are one.
— roxane gay (@rgay) March 15, 2021
Some priests across Europe have said they'll defy the Vatican and continue to bless same-sex unions.
Mary McAleese has written to Ireland’s Catholic bishops asking them to challenge language used about the LGBT community in the document.
