Pope Francis, the unconventional iconic leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has done it again; melting the veils of discrimination and opening up doors for understanding and progressive communication as members of the LGBT community who went on pilgrimage to Rome were given VIP seats near the pontiff himself.
The one day engagement occurred during the Pope's weekly address in St. Peter's Square, which happened to be on an Ash Wednesday. The roughly 50 strong membership of the Maryland-based New Ways Ministry, "a lay group of Catholics," was not only recognized that day but were also given specials seats, which they didn't know until Tuesday before they set off for the event.
The group, however, was unable to get a "special private audience with the Pope." Still, they considered the warm gesture as "an incredible honor and an incredible step forward." With the motion set off by the Pope, they "would like to see more changes from the Catholic hierarchy and the Pontiff."
In a statement about homosexuals in the Church and the clergy, Pope Francis once said that "if someone is gay and seeks the Lord with good will, who am I to judge?" The message also registered among people in and out of the LGBT community a shift on the Church's views of homosexuality from the traditional towards the "moderate position."
Pope Francis went further when he said that, "the catechism of the Catholic Church says clearly that we must not marginalize these people who should be integrated into society." This was an absolute contrast to what his predecessor once said the "homosexuality is as threatening to the future of humanity as climate change."
The event on Wednesday was regarded by the New Ways Ministry as a showcase of "The Francis Effect." Although it was a short engagement, Pope Francis definitely made an indelible mark in the hearts of those who witnessed his genuine compassion.
Join the Conversation