Pope Leo XIV has drawn attention after a group of 48 transgender women were seated away from his head table during the Vatican’s annual “lunch for the poor” on Sunday, November 16.
According to reports by Mail Online, the transgender guests, who had been seated at Pope Francis’s table in both 2023 and 2024, were placed at different tables in Paul VI Hall, which many interpreted as a subtle snub.
Alessia Nobile, an Italian transgender author, shared that she was only able to hand Pope Leo a letter before he offered a smile and moved on, while others couldn’t reach him at all.
“I had hoped he would be as warm as Francis had been,” Nobile said. “At least he smiled.”
Vatican officials, however, denied any intentional slight, stating that seating arrangements were random. The gathering, attended by over 1,300 people including migrants, low-income families, and people with disabilities, was part of the Church’s outreach to marginalized communities.
The trans women, many of whom are Latin American residents of Torvaianica near Rome, had previously been personally greeted and seated close to Pope Francis. This year, they were spread across different tables.
Rev. Andrea Conocchia, who ministers to the group, confirmed they did not get private time with the Pope, but said they were still placed “at tables very, very close to the pope,” adding that the event remained “fraternal” and “joyful.”
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, a Vatican official and charity event organizer, reiterated that the seating was not a deliberate message. “Seats at the head table were assigned randomly,” he said, explaining that the trans guests had “arrived late.”
He emphasized, “The church is open to everyone. They are part of the church, just like everyone else.”
Despite some disappointment, many attendees expressed hope that the openness shown under Pope Francis would continue.
“Pope Leo is different, but I believe his heart is open to us,” said 52-year-old Marcella Di Marco. “We still feel the church’s door is not closed.”
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