Pope Francis gave a brief and unexpected interview to James Martin, S.J., for Father Martin’s new L.G.B.T.-focused publication, Outreach, a subsidiary of America Media.

In the brief interview, the pope reminds L.G.B.T. Catholics that “God is Father and he does not disown any of his children” and gives advice to those who feel rejected by the church.

Father Martin joins host Colleen Dulle on this bonus episode of “Inside the Vatican” to unpack the “mini-interview”, how he was able to interview the pope, and what message the interview sends about Pope Francis’ approach to L.G.B.T. issues.

“I think that as [Pope Francis] talks about God's style—closeness, compassion and tenderness—it’s his style too,” Father Martin said. “He wants to reach [L.G.B.T. people]. He wants to talk to them. And I think, again, this is one of the little steps he takes to reach this community step by step.”

Links from the show:

Outreach: In brief letter, Pope Francis speaks to LGBTQ Catholics

Outreach.faith

Video: How Pope Francis is changing the Vatican's tone on LGBT people

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