In Italy, gay Catholics feel the ‘Francis Effect’

[rug]

(Alessandro Penso/OnOff Picture for The Washington Post) Giulia Masieri, 32, is given Communion during the Mass held by Don Andrea Bigalli in the Church of Sant’Andrea in Florence, Italy. The parish welcomes gay Catholics.

By Anthony Faiola, Published: March 27

FLORENCE, Italy — The power of the Catholic Church in Italy has compelled thousands of gay men and lesbians to live in the shadows, and the opposition of bishops helped make this the only major nation in Western Europe without broad legal rights for same-sex couples. But gay Catholics here now speak of a new ray of light from what they call “l’effetto Francesco.”

The Francis Effect.

On Thursday, President Obama met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at a time when the new pontiff is upending church conventions and opening new doors. In their first face-to-face encounter, the two leaders — who have sought to bring change to their respective offices — focused on issues ranging from growing inequality to the challenges of global conflicts.

But for the pope, perhaps no one issue illustrates his divergence from tradition more than early signs of rapprochement between the church and gay Catholics.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/in-italy-gay-catholics-feel-the-francis-effect/2014/03/27/8182dd6a-9f9d-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html

[goldent]

1. Interesting article

and the meeting with the pope seemed to go well. Interesting that the press was really looking for some red meat regarding ACA, but Obama had none.

By the way, that photo shows something I was taught not to do - I was taught to receive the host in our hands, and not grab it like Halloween candy.

[rug]

2. It may have been a while before she was allowed Communion.

At least she didn't stick her tongue out.

[goldent]

3. It's not a big deal

People do it all the time and I don't think anyone much cares - but it isn't the "proper" thing to do. By the way, receiving the host on your tongue is still ok, and a few people I know do it - they are normal people but I guess traditional in that way.