Pope Francis Sends Blessings To Lesbian Italian Children's Writer

Pope Francis blessed Francesca Pardi, a lesbian writer of children's books that have dealt with stories about same-sex families. He seems to have wished her as well as her wife well in their jobs.

Francesca Pardi has written books such as "Why you have two mummies." But the publishing company she runs with her wife had come under fire from Christian groups, so she wrote a complaint to the Pope.

But after his message, Vatican officials were quick to make it clear that the Pope had just sent a "standard courtesy" and did not indicate that there was any change in the teaching of the Church.

However, the writer admitted to AFP that "she had been pleasantly surprised to have received such a positive response," according to ndtv.

Many of her stories---some which have been removed from nurseries and primary schools by a new Venetian mayor---were included in the collection she sent to him.

"My books present different types of families without setting any of them up as a model," Pardi told AFP, appreciating the Pope for having responded in a manner that showed "respect and dignity" towards her, her wife and their four children.

"It was not important for me that it was the pope who said it, I am not a Catholic. But it is important to see that we are not up against a wall. A dialogue is possible," she added.

"Books are to be opened, to be read and to be criticised. What you don't do is ban them."

Strangely, the Pope in his message wished them "ever more fruitful work in the service of young generations and in spreading authentic human and Christian values." He had exhorted the Church take up a greater "pragmatic and understanding approach" gay relationships. It was reflected when he made a remark that has become famous: "Who am I to judge?"