Voices from the LGBTQ+ Jubilee Year Pilgrimage, Part 3

Today’s post is the last of three featuring thoughts and reflections from individuals who participated in the LGBTQ+ Pilgrimage of Hope for the Holy Year last weekend.  Click on Part 1 and Part 2 to read the previous posts. 

from Religión Digital:

(for full article, click here)

Juanjo Peris

Juanjo Peris, a Catalan man from Barcelona who is a sociologist and who blogs for the Catholic website Cristianisme i Jusiticia, wrote a comprehensive reflection on the various events of the pilgrimage. Commenting on the prayer vigil, he wrote:

“In a church that was packed even minutes before the vigil began, there was also a desire to make present those who could not attend because they had been denied visas. In the presbytery, also packed with people, the presidency [of the prayer service] was shared by five people: a priest, lay people, and consecrated persons. In the centre was a woman, María Luisa Berzosa, synodal mother. It was exciting to be able to experience the church we dream of, a more motherly, diverse, inclusive church that listens and puts people’s stories at the centre.”

Writing about the homily Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Bishops Conference gave at the Mass preceding the pilgrimage, Peris reported:

“Bishop Savino said that he had spoken with Pope Leo, whom he described as a ‘master of listening.’ He said that he had spoken with him to explain that ‘he was going to celebrate the Eucharist with the brothers and sisters of Jonathan’s Tent and other associations that care for you.’ The Pope, who had listened to him with great tenderness and kindness, said, ‘Go and celebrate with those brothers and sisters.’”

Reflecting on the entire experience:

“The feeling is that we have taken a big step forward, being able to make a pilgrimage as LGBTQ+ people during the Jubilee, gathering in Rome at the heart of the institutions, hearing a bishop, with an important position, say emotionally ‘it is time to restore dignity’ and that the Pope approved of the bishop celebrating Mass ‘with these brothers and sisters’, But at the same time, there is a feeling that much remains to be done, even before reparation, for visibility and full inclusion.”

Links to Video Reports (containing interviews with pilgrims):

Christopher Lamb reporting for CNN on the DAY BEFORE the pilgrimage 

Christopher Lamb reporting for CNN on the DAY OF the pilgrimage 

Contains special coverage on transgender pilgrims: CBS News: “Celebration and Hope” 

The LGBTQ+ pilgrimage begins its journey to St. Peter’s Basilica, carrying a rainbow cross.

from Bay Area Reporter:

(for full article, click here)

Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director, DignityUSA:

“Agreeing that this [pilgrimage], originally permitted by Pope Francis, would go forward was a hopeful message soon after Pope Leo’s election. His meeting with, and message to, Fr. James Martin are additional indications that he means what he said in his first address. Pope Leo wants our church to be a home for all.”

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry:
“It’s a great and historic honor to be part of this pilgrimage. The fact that the Vatican is welcoming this pilgrimage shows how much the church has grown in regard to accepting LGBTQ+ people.”

from Pink News:

(for full article, click here)

Francesca Borselli, an Italian lesbian woman who made the pilgrimage with her partner and daughter commented: “I don’t want to be pessimistic, I don’t think there will be a huge change today. The Church is moving with the times, which are not very fast, but the Church is walking.”

from Progetto Gionata

(for the full article, click here)

Tiziano Fani Braga

Tiziano Fani Braga, an Italian gay man, member of La Tenda di Gionata, the sponsor of the pilgrimage. It was Braga’s original idea which sparked the planning of the event:

“During these pilgrimage days I have been able to meet the eyes and smiles of people from all parts of the world, and share their enthusiasm. Eyes that sometimes also hid the fear of the future. We felt like the people of Israel in front of the Red Sea, which was opened for us. Something that seemed insurmountable now has been opened, and we can walk. We know that behind us we still have our detractors, but we are protected by the Lord. . . .

“The most important aspect was the communion between us, and it is what we care about most. The pyramids are not built from the summit, but from the foundations, and we are part of those foundations, perhaps even hidden, but perhaps no longer no longer. Foundations with the dignity of the children of God, because baptized.

“It is from here that we must start again: from our close communities, from our families, among our brothers and sisters in faith, that this moment of communion can be poured into our realities.”

For other reflections from members of La Tenda di Gionata, click here.

—Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry, September 12, 2025