(Vatican News. Linda Bordoni).
“God’s style is closeness, mercy and tenderness” Pope Francis said answering three questions put to him by Jesuit Father James Martin who ministers to LGBT Catholics.
On 5 May Father Martin had written to the Pope in Spanish asking him to answer some questions that he is most commonly asked by LGBT Catholics and their families.
He received a hand-written response a couple of days afterward, that was published in the form of a short interview on Father Martin’s website “Outreach”.
“With respect to your questions,” the Pope wrote, “a very simple response occurs to me.”
Outreach: What would you say is the most important thing for LGBT people to know about God?
Pope Francis: God is Father and he does not disown any of his children. And “the style” of God is “closeness, mercy and tenderness.” Along this path you will find God.
Outreach: What would you like LGBT people to know about the Church?
Pope Francis: I would like for them to read the book of the Acts of the Apostles. There they will find the image of the living Church.
Outreach: What do you say to an LGBT Catholic who has experienced rejection from the Church?