Calay News
Pope Francis marked the Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor on Sunday by hosting a special lunch for over 1,000 impoverished individuals, including a group of trans women from Torvaianica, a seaside town south of Rome, with whom the pontiff has developed a remarkable friendship.
The Pope’s recent message of inclusivity towards transgender individuals has been particularly welcomed by this community. The Vatican’s recent affirmation that trans people can be baptized and serve as godparents and witnesses at weddings reflects a broader stance of acceptance and support. Pope Francis, throughout his papacy, has consistently reached out to the LGBTQ+ community, making inclusivity a defining aspect of his leadership.
The trans women from Torvaianica, adorned with crosses, high heels, and fake lashes, boarded a bus early Sunday morning for the hour-long journey to the Vatican. Jessica Quintero from Colombia expressed gratitude, stating, “It is beautiful for us trans people because we are a bit forgotten. It is a moral boost for us because often people forget about us.”
For the special lunch, the Vatican reserved two spots for transgender women at the Pope’s table. One of these spots was occupied by Claudia Vittoria Salas, a 55-year-old transgender tailor and house cleaner. The gesture symbolizes Pope Francis’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate church that embraces individuals from all walks of life.
