Leo XIV supported a movement helping people with LGBT experiences

On February 6, Pope Leo XIV received representatives of Courage International at the Vatican, which the movement described as a historic moment. This is the first personal meeting between this Catholic organization and the pope since its founding in 1980, according to EWTN News.

Courage International focuses on providing spiritual guidance to people who experience same-sex attraction and are striving to live in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, as well as supporting their families through the EnCourage program.

According to Executive Director Brian Gannon, the Pope was an attentive listener and encouraged them in their emphasis on chastity, self-control, and spiritual freedom.

According to participants, Leo XIV spoke of freedom not as unlimited liberty, but as the ability to control one's passions and surrender to God's will. The meeting is a powerful moral boost for the organization, which operates in more than a dozen countries.

(mja)