Pope Leo XIV will reportedly share a meal on Sunday with five transgender individuals, including a prominent transgender activist, during a Vatican celebration marking the Jubilee of the Poor, which is dedicated to highlighting the dignity and rights of the impoverished and marginalised.

The lunch will take place in the Paul VI Hall following Mass for the World Day of the Poor, when hundreds of homeless and marginalised people are due to dine with the Holy Father.

Alessia Nobile, a prominent transgender activist who is Catholic and a biological male who identifies as a “transgender woman” – and thereby uses female pronouns – is set to attend the lunch, according to Italian media. Nobile reportedly asked to meet the new Pope out of concern that the Church might “turn back on LGBTQ rights” after the death of Pope Francis, whom Nobile considered a friend.

Nobile, 46, told Italian media that she hopes the gathering will allow her to speak with Pope Leo directly. “I hope this [lunch] will be an opportunity to speak to him and ask him not to backtrack on rights,” Nobile said.

Reflecting on a long friendship with Pope Francis, Nobile recalled how the late Pope would offer his greetings to her during Wednesday audiences even when visibly unwell. “Pope Francis immediately became a light in my journey as a believer,” Nobile said. “The Holy Father always wanted the front row for us transgender women.”

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Tagged: Religion BACK TO HOMEPAGE