Pope Francis acknowledges conference for ‘LGBT Catholics’

[Lori Dee]

Pope Francis acknowledges conference for 'LGBT Catholics'
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CNA (Catholic News Agency) - Jonah McKeown, CNA Staff
Aug 2, 2024 / 5:51 pm

Pope Francis this week said he is "united in prayer" with those participating in a conference for Catholics who identify as LGBT taking place this weekend in Washington, D.C.

Father James Martin, a controversial Jesuit priest who founded the pro-LGBT group Outreach in 2022, reportedly asked Pope Francis if he would like to send a greeting to the group's 2024 gathering, taking place Aug. 2–4 at Georgetown University.

According to Vatican News, Pope Francis sent a brief response saying he was pleased by the fact that Gregory will be celebrating Mass for the 350 expected attendees at the conference.

The pope further said he is "united in prayer" with those participating in the conference and prayed that "Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin care for you."

The 2024 Outreach conference was organized for "LGBTQ laypeople, clergy, scholars, artists, educators, students, and family members to build community, share best practices, and worship together," its website says.

The conference is scheduled to include panels on "LGBTQ Ministry in Parishes," "Parenting LGTBQ Children," and "Race, Intersectionality, and LGBTQ People" as well as a panel titled "Gifts of a Life of Chastity."

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