Historic LGBTQ Journey During Sacred Anniversary Year
In a groundbreaking move, the Catholic Church welcomed over a thousand LGBTQ pilgrims to Rome during its Holy Year celebration in 2025. This was the first time an LGBTQ pilgrimage was included in the Vatican's official event calendar, marking a significant step forward in the Church's journey towards inclusivity.
The pilgrimage, organised by the initiative La Tenda di Gionata, saw participants from nearly 20 countries taking part. Among them was Yveline Behets, a 68-year-old transgender woman from Brussels, who walked 130 kilometers along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route to reach Rome.
Upon her arrival, Behets expressed a desire for more "plurality" from the Church. She has not always felt accepted by other Catholic believers, and her journey to Rome was a symbol of her hope for a more inclusive Church.
During their stay, the pilgrims visited St. Peter's Basilica, a significant site for Catholic believers worldwide. They also attended a mass at the Chiesa del Gesu in Rome, where an LGBTQ mass was held for the first time during the Holy Year.
Crossing the Holy Door during a Catholic Church's Holy Year is believed to grant a plenary indulgence. This tradition was also part of the activities for the LGBTQ pilgrims during the Holy Year 2025. However, the group did not receive a personal audience with Pope Leo XIV.
Despite this, the first LGBTQ pilgrimage was officially welcomed by Pope Leo XIV at a Vatican Jubilee event, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ pilgrims in the heart of the Church. This event took place during the Holy Year celebration approved by the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV.
The Catholic Church celebrates a Holy Year every 25 years. The Holy Year 2025 was a year of reflection, forgiveness, and unity for the Church, and the inclusion of the LGBTQ pilgrimage was a testament to this spirit.
As the Church continues to evolve and embrace diversity, the LGBTQ pilgrimage during the Holy Year 2025 serves as a beacon of hope for those who have felt marginalised within the Church. It is a step towards a more inclusive and accepting Church, and a reminder that everyone is welcome in the House of God.
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