The Washington Post recently published an article examining Pope Francis' perceived shift towards a more inclusive stance on LGBT issues, including meeting with transgender-identifying sex workers.
The Post referred to Francis’ actions as an "unprecedented opening" to the LGBT community. However, Francis has done a series of things as Pope to both please and disappoint those who identify as transgender.
In recent times, Pope Francis has faced criticism for what some perceive as a soft stance on LGBT matters. Notably, he has given explicit approval for transgender-identifying godparents, blessed same-sex couples, and authorized the baptism of transgender individuals.
However, he also issued statements warning about the moral consequences of "sex-change intervention," leaving many confused about his stance on these subjects.
The Post article highlighted a significant move by Pope Francis to welcome nearly 100 trans-identifying women, some of whom are sex workers, to sacred spaces within the Vatican. One individual mentioned in the piece is Laura Esquivel, a trans-identifying individual who had worked in prostitution since the age of 15. Esquivel had sought to change his life after being diagnosed with cancer and had worked with the Catholic Church towards this goal.
During a meeting with Pope Francis, Esquivel introduced himself as a "transsexual from Paraguay." The Pope responded by acknowledging him as "a child of God.”
Laura Esquivel, reflecting on his interaction with Pope Francis, noted that the Pope had never offered direct criticism.
“Pope Francis never criticized me or told me to change my life,” Esquivel recalled.
While Pope Francis' actions have drawn praise from some quarters, they have also sparked criticism from traditionalists within the Catholic Church. Some argue that there is a distinction between showing compassion and outright acceptance of LGBT lifestyles, and that the Pope has gone too far in acceptance that he has now gone against the values of Catholicism.
