"Pope's Support Empowers Italy's Transgender Women to Embrace Their Humanity"

Transgender women in Italy, including Claudia Victoria Salas and Carla Segovia, expressed gratitude towards Pope Francis for making them feel "more human" and bringing them closer to the Catholic Church. The Vatican recently issued a statement allowing transgender people to be godparents, witnesses at religious weddings, and receive baptism. Father Andrea Conocchia, a pastor in Torvaianica, helped the transgender community during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an invitation for them to have lunch with the pope. The meeting was seen as a positive step towards inclusivity, although it has faced criticism from conservatives within the Church.