Pope Francis Visits LGBTQ Advocate Near Roman Seaside

Pope Francis visited the Roman seaside neighborhood of Ostia, meeting French Catholic nun Sr. Genevieve Jeanningros known for her work with the LGBTQ community. The visit occurred after the Vatican apologized for the pope's reported use of a slur. The nun frequently brings LGBTQ members to meet the pontiff during his weekly audiences.

On Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis made a short trip from the Vatican to Ostia, a Roman seaside neighborhood, where he met French Catholic nun Sr. Genevieve Jeanningros. Known for decades of dedicated work with the LGBTQ community, Jeanningros resides in a caravan near Luna Park, a popular roller coaster and circus venue.

The meeting follows the Vatican's recent apology concerning Pope Francis' alleged use of a vulgar Italian slur referring to gay people during a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops. The Vatican released photos from the visit, capturing the pontiff blessing a religious statue near the park's vibrant attractions.

In a June interview with L'Osservatore Romano, Jeanningros shared her routine of attending the Vatican on Wednesdays for the pope's audience, often accompanied by members of the LGBTQ community. Commenting on the pontiff's reported slur, she noted that, while initially painful, her friends ultimately laughed it off, believing the pope was not genuinely disrespectful.

(With inputs from agencies.)