Our Audience with Pope Francis
Italian Parents Association GenerazioneD Has a Profound Encounter with Pope Francis in a Private Vatican Audience
On October 25th, our delegation from the Italian Parents Association, GenerazioneD had an extraordinary honor: a private audience with Pope Francis in one of the Vatican’s majestic buildings. This moment was incredibly significant for our organization, giving us the unique opportunity to present our mission and concerns to one of the world's most influential leaders.
A Long Journey
As dawn broke, our delegation of 12 set out on foot for the Vatican from the nearby bed and breakfast where we had gathered after long hours of travel by train from across Italy: Trentino, Liguria, Lombardy, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, Lazio and Campania. One of our members had sent a personal message to the Pope back in 2022, and when we wrote to His Holiness about our Association the Vatican invited us for the audience.
As we made our way through the quiet, cobblestone streets, we felt a mix of anticipation and solemn reflection. The morning sun bathed the iconic domes and spires of the Vatican in a golden glow, hinting at the significance of the day to come. Around us, pilgrims, tourists, and locals moved with a shared sense of reverence, all adding to the moment’s weight.
Entering the Vatican, we navigated several security checks, attended by the Swiss Guard. Although thorough, the process was surprisingly smooth, thanks to our official invitation for the private audience. With each step closer, we felt a deepening sense of occasion's gravity. As we passed through grand corridors of the Vatican, flanked on either side by intricate frescoes, tapestries and timeless sculptures, we felt enthralled by the long tradition of devotion these masterpieces seemed to share.
Eventually, we found ourselves in a beautifully appointed meeting hall, waiting while the Holy Father completed other engagements. The atmosphere in the room shifted when we were ushered into a smaller, more intimate chamber. Moments later, Pope Francis entered, his serene presence filling the space. The warmth of his smile and the gentle twinkle in his eyes instantly eased any nerves.
A Heartfelt Conversation
During our meeting, we introduced the Pope to the work of GenerazioneD, highlighting our connections to a broader global network of sister organizations under the Genspect umbrella. We shared concerns about the rising prevalence of children and young people identifying as gender dysphoric or transgender. We expressed our worry that most institutions and mainstream opinions had adopted a singular path—one that sees affirmation as the only option. Pope Francis responded with warmth and empathy and encouraged us to continue our advocacy.
At the conclusion of our meeting, we presented him with a booklet filled with family stories—testimonials from parents navigating these complex issues. We expressed our hope to maintain a connection with him, whether directly or through individuals he might designate. We were deeply moved by his response. He spoke of the vital importance of listening to our children and engaging in open, family-centered discussions rather than solely relying on doctors and other external experts. Most importantly, he urged us to hold on to joy and hope, even in challenging times.
After the audience, we gathered nearby to share our emotions and reflections. We felt a deep sense of validation and purpose knowing that our message had reached someone capable of inspiring change. We were struck by the Pope's compassion and by his emphasis on hope and listening. His words left a lasting impact on all of us.
Looking back, one moment with the Pope stood out above all: when he encouraged us to “hold on to joy and the family.” In a world often fraught with challenges, his words served as a beacon of light, reminding us of the strength we find in love.
This meeting has only fortified our resolve to advocate for a more nuanced, compassionate approach to gender dysphoria and related concerns. We are committed to working alongside the Church and other influential institutions with a pivotal role in shaping a balanced and understanding societal response that transcends the religious sphere.
Help from The Church
Recognizing that the Church holds significant influence in education, healthcare, and social services, we believe it should champion a more thoughtful approach to addressing gender dysphoria, which includes:
Conducting an in-depth evaluation of the scientific foundation underpinning current guidelines for treating dysphoria, as recommended by WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health). These widely adopted guidelines warrant careful scrutiny.
Ensuring that the Church's influence in schools, hospitals, and community programs does not inadvertently endorse an uncritical “affirmative” approach.
We are profoundly grateful for the Pope's attention to our concerns and for his encouragement. This meeting reinforced our commitment to advocating for our children and to promoting thoughtful, family-centered, and scientifically grounded discussions on these complex issues.
GenerAzioneD is a non-partisan, non-denominational and non-profit cultural association whose aim is to inform about the problems of gender dysphoria/incongruence in children, adolescents and young adults.
Genspect are happy to assist parents groups and sister organisations who wish to write to His Holiness Pope Francis, please contact us if you would like more information
Genspect publishes a variety of authors with different perspectives. Any opinions expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect Genspect’s official position. For more on Genspect, visit our FAQs.
So profoundly, simply beautiful.
Such a gift for you to write this here for us to share.
Thank you deeply