The Most Serious Sins?

About this episode

Ralph Martin discusses the seriousness of sexual sins in light of recent statements by Pope Leo and the German Bishops' decision on blessings for same-sex unions.

Recently Pope Leo caused some controversy in responding to the German Bishops' decision to institute in a formal way the blessing of same sex and irregular unions. Many praised Pope Leo’s quick response to the effect that the Vatican doesn’t agree and that the Germans have been “spoken to”. But others registered puzzlement about what his views on sexual sins really are. While casual comments in an airplane interview can’t be fairly used to determine what anyone’s views are in a considered way, many others, besides the Pope have made statements to the effect that “sexual sins aren’t the worst sins; there are others far worse.” In this video Ralph deals with this question with an answer based on scripture and tradition. While it is certainly the case that sexual sins aren’t the worse sins, it is still very important to pay careful attention to what the Lord does say about the seriousness of sexual sins so we can make appropriate decisions. Articles and resources in this episode: Ralph's new book: The Coming Judgment Article by Dr. Monica Miller: Sex and the Unity of the Catholic Church Article by Dr. Helen Alvare: Sex and Catholic Social Teaching Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu's…

People in this episode

Host: Ralph Martin

Topics covered

• sexual sins
• Catholic Church
• Pope's response
• blessing of unions
• scripture and tradition
• moral theology

Keywords

• Pope Leo
• sexual sins
• Catholic Church
• blessing of unions
• scripture
• tradition
• moral theology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vatican, German Bishops, SECAM, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, EWTN

More episodes of Right Now with Ralph Martin

• Cardinal Schönborn Ponders the Judgment · June 3, 2026 · 16 min
• Pentecost Is for YOU: Stirring Up the Gift · May 20, 2026 · 9 min
• Life Is Unfair, But Judges Shouldn’t Be: Reflections on Justice Richard Bernstein · April 22, 2026 · 11 min
• St. Faustina: Only Two Paths · April 8, 2026 · 9 min
• It's So Strange · March 25, 2026 · 11 min
• Is Divine Mercy Being Hijacked? · March 11, 2026 · 17 min