Source: Reuters

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis has blocked a move by German bishops to allow Protestants married to Roman Catholics to receive communion in Catholic churches, a prospect that had alarmed conservatives.

FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis attends a meeting with faithful of the diocese of Rome at Saint John Lateran Basilica in Rome, Italy May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Tony Gentile/File Photo

FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis attends a meeting with faithful of the diocese of Rome at Saint John Lateran Basilica in Rome, Italy May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Tony Gentile/File Photo

The issue has sparked major debate in Germany, where Martin Luther sparked the split in Western Christianity 500 years ago. Even German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a Lutheran, has entered the debate.

The pope’s decision was made known in a letter by Archbishop Luis Ladaria, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, to Cardinal Reinhard Marx, head of the German bishops’ conference.