On the eve of the Outreach 2021 L.G.B.T. conference, Father Martin received a handwritten personal letter in Spanish from Francis, expressing his support.
The real-life superhero Mattia Villardita was invited to the audience because of his everyday commitment to bring joy to suffering children — dressed as his childhood idol.
Writing to his peers, Catholics who have reached a venerable age like he has, Pope Francis told older Catholics that God is close to them and still has plans for their lives.