Pope Francis said to me: "God loves gay children as they are"

Article by Paolo Rodari published on the Qotidiano "La Repubblica" of 17 September 2020, p.19

"He told us that the Lord and the Church love our children because they are all children of God. For me and for all of us it was a great light after difficult and dark years."

Mara Grassi is a believing woman, mother of John, 40 years old, homosexual.

Yesterday, after the general hearing on Wednesday, he was able to briefly meet the Pope and the name of the association "Jonathan's tent“. And deliver them the book Lucky parents in which the testimonies of Catholic parents with LGBT children are collected. It is the first time that the association is convened for a short meeting with the Pope.

What sensations did you feel yesterday?

«Very strong. For years I was as blind. After I learned about the homosexuality of my son I suffered for a long time because the rules of the Church made me think that he was excluded from the love of God. Nobody helped me ».

Then what happened?

«I participated by chance in Reggio Emilia in a vigil against homophobia in the parish Regina Pacis.

I met other believing parents with homosexual children and, through in particular the encounter with a priest, Don Paolo Cugini, I understood that faith and homosexuality are not in contrast, that God loves my Son so as it is ».

These are also the words that the Pope told her. Did he wait for them?

"I hoped for it. I wanted to tell the Pope that what we understood, the Church must ensure that many other parents like me understand him, so that they do not suffer what I suffered from me ».

What did you say to Francesco?

«I am a mother of a gay boy who left the Church because he did not feel welcomed in his diversity. I told the Pope that, thanks to my son, I changed my point of view.

When I met other parents and young LGBTs I also managed to see the beauty and love of God in my son.

I told him that we are lucky parents because the discovery of the homosexuality of our children, albeit at the destabilizing start, made us change gaze and see things that we were unable to See. and we were enriched. We discovered that God exceeds rules and rules, his love is totalizing towards everyone ».

And Francesco replied that God loves your children how are they?

"First he told us that God loves our children because they are all children of God. Then, when I explained to him that we want to help the Church to make a journey that leads to making no one feels excluded inside, that we want to break down the barriers for a more welcoming and inclusive road, he replied that he agrees and that the Church loves our children as they are".

When did you know about the homosexuality of her son?

«Fifteen years ago. I asked him why I had pulled unequivocal signs. He had moved away from the church for this and still today it is far away.

For years I have continued to attend my parish keeping this weight for me. Then to the vigil against homophobia, by grace of God I opened my eyes and stopped suffering. I thought his homosexuality was wrong, I was wrong. "

Does The church have an attitude of closing with gays?

«Still yes, in many of his parts. For many faith and homosexuality they are terms in contrast. In the head of many, a gay cannot be a believer. Many LGBT boys and girls show us the opposite ».