Pope Francis Meets LGBTQ Activists at Vatican

Pope Francis recently met with LGBTQ+ activists at the Vatican, where they urged him to overturn the Catholic Church's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. The 80-minute private meeting included activists from various backgrounds, including Michael Sennett, a transgender man who shared how gender-affirming care has positively impacted his life. This gathering follows the Vatican's previous rejection of gender-affirming care, which was criticized for lacking consultation with transgender individuals. Participants expressed the importance of listening to transgender experiences in shaping church policies. Reports indicate that the Pope was receptive to their concerns, emphasizing the need to focus on individual well-being. The meeting reflects ongoing tensions within the Church regarding LGBTQ+ inclusivity and the future of its doctrinal stances.