“Dear friends: I was honoured and grateful to meet with the Holy Father @Pontifex this morning in an audience in the Apostolic Palace, and moved to hear the same message I heard from Pope Francis on LGBTQ Catholics, which is one of openness and welcome,” Father Martin posted.

“I found Pope Leo to be serene, joyful, and encouraging. For me, it was a deeply consoling meeting. Please pray for the Holy Father.”

Francis famously said, “Who am I to judge?” in response to a question on gay Catholics shortly after he became pope in 2013.

ANSA