God loves us just as we are, Pope
Francis tells a young transgender person in a new podcast
produced by Vatican Radio ahead of World Youth Day in Lisbon and
released on Tuesday.
'The Lord always accompanies us, always. Even if we are sinners,
He draws near to help us," said the pope after hearing the story
of Giona, who spoke about the challenges of being a believer,
while accepting the reality of having physical challenges and
being transgender.
"God loves us just as we are," he added.
"Do not give up, keep striving ahead."
In the Italian language 'popecast', Francis also had words of
encouragement for Edward and Valerij, who are both serving time
in a juvenile correctional community, and for Arianna who
struggles with bipolar disorder.
World Youth Day 2023 will take place in the Portuguese capital
from August 1-6.
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