Pope Francis on Monday privately met with American Jesuit Rev. James Martin, who has been criticized by conservative U.S. Catholics for advocating for members of the LGBT community, according to the Associated Press.
Why it matters: While most of the pope's private meetings are kept confidential, the Vatican noted the conference with the Martin on a list of the pope’s daily activities.
The big picture: Martin, who authored “Building a Bridge,” a book arguing that the LGBT community feels unwelcome in the church and that the church should reach out to members of LGBT community, has in the past been disinvited to Catholic seminaries because of his advocacy.
One of the highlights of my life. I felt encouraged, consoled and inspired by the Holy Father today. And his time with me, in the middle of a busy day and a busy life, seems a clear sign of his deep pastoral care for LGBT Catholics and LGBT people worldwide. (Foto@VaticanMedia). pic.twitter.com/1BeaiVh0Q4
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) September 30, 2019
Between the lines: "Official church teaching calls for gay men and lesbians to be respected and loved, but considers homosexual activity 'intrinsically disordered,'" per the AP.
- Flashback: Francis in 2013 told reporters that if "someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”
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