Pope Francis writes a note to a pilgrim at the Vatican on 6 July 2016. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Pope Francis has written a personal letter in support of Fr James Martin SJ's ministry to LGBTQ+ Catholics, thanking the prominent and frequently controversial Jesuit for his work and encouraging him to continue his efforts.
“I want to thank you for your pastoral zeal and your ability to be close to people," Pope France wrote in the letter, "with the closeness that Jesus had, and which reflects the closeness of God.”
