The embrace of Pope Francis to a mother with a LGBT+ daughter

Testimony of Serenella Longarini, a catholic mother with a lesbian daughter

After the discovery of the homosexuality of my daughter, overcome the initial shock, mainly due to ignorance on matter and fear that they could harm her.

I cultivated the desire to be able to talk to Francesco, the Pope of listening to him, to communicate this new reality that he called me to live maternity in a completely unprecedented way for me, undoubtedly stronger and more responsible and, certainly, more courageous.

I prayed so much the Lord to give me this meeting but how would it be possible to make it?

The representatives of the family pastoral care of my diocese of Civitavecchia -Atarquinia were invited to participate in the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano in a meeting precisely on the themes related to the family.

I participated and in the third day Francesco came to talk to us, as he was usually he did, at the end of the meeting he passed through the people.

The basilica was not very crowded and it was easy for me to rest for the barriers and, not to believe, my desire was made, the pope was in front of me, face to face. I tightened his hands and said to him: "Holiness I have a homosexual daughter".

By crossing my gaze and continuing to tighten my hands he replied decided to me, without any hesitation: "My daughter welcomes it and never chase her home, because these children must be welcomed and not driven out".

The Pope did not use the term "accept it" which can have a negative meaning how "to bear" but has spoken of welcome which means to open the arms to the other and love it so as it is.

I cannot exactly describe the emotion I felt, the Lord had fulfilled my prayer but, even more, through the Pope's words he had encouraged and consoled me.

This testimony I want to strongly share it with all those mothers, those parents who struggle to welcome their children, victims of a legalist, ideological mentality and many prejudices.

I thank Pope Francis for his paternal gaze, for the tenderness and understanding he has shown me in those few but intense moments of encounter.

For the respect he showed towards the heart of a mother who loves her daughter with a great, infinite love, more similar to that of god the Father. Thank You.