Pope Francis sends blessings to participants in “Outreach” Conference for LGBTQ Catholics

In response to a message from Fr. James Martin, who serves the LGBTQ community in the U.S., Pope Francis expressed his spiritual solidarity with attendees of the gathering at Georgetown University scheduled for August 2 to 4.

On August 24, Pope Francis extended his greetings to Jesuit Father James Martin during the Outreach Conference for LGBTQ Catholics held at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the Archbishop of Washington, is scheduled to lead a Mass for those attending the event. Fr. Martin, who actively engages with the LGBTQ community in his ministry, reached out to the Pope to inquire if he would like to convey a message to the conference attendees.

In a short reply released on Thursday, Pope Francis expressed his joy that Cardinal Gregory would be officiating at the Mass for them.

The Pope said he is “united in prayer” with those participating in the conference: “May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin care for you.”

Pope Francis has extended his greetings to an Outreach event for the fourth time. Previously, he has encouraged a Jesuit priest—whom he designated as a Consultor for the Dicastery for Communication, the organization behind Vatican News—to convey God’s essence of proximity, compassion, and love to the LGBTQ community.