Regina Tana came to Gemelli Hospital on Sunday (March 2) to pray for Pope Francis and laid a sign thanking the pontiff for his support of LGBT Catholics.

Tana, who is a transgender woman, said the situation with the Pope is "very sad and delicate" for her as a Catholic.

"My faith is not shaken, even if today I wear these things; even if a part of the Church does not accept us, another part, perhaps, is opening up to this reality," she said.

She added she sees Pope Francis’ gesture as a powerful step toward inclusion, calling it “a beautiful opening.”

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In a rare move, the Vatican has listed an event organized by LGBT Catholics, "La Tenda di Gionata," in its official online calendar for the 2025 Holy Year. Their pilgrimage, part of the Jubilee expected to draw 32 million visitors to Rome, includes a prayer vigil before a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

The group, which describes its goal as to promote the welcoming of LGBT people within the Church, is expected to host a prayer vigil at a local Rome parish before making a trip to St. Peter's Basilica.

(Production: Veronica Altimari, Roberto Mignucci)