Reports indicate that several trans women had been invited to attend a special Vatican event, but none of them were seated near the Pope during the gathering. The seating layout immediately drew attention, sparking questions about whether the arrangement had been intentional.
The incident quickly provoked backlash across social media, where critics accused the Pope of deliberately distancing himself from the LGBTQ community. Many argued that the seating decision sent a harmful message, especially at a time when global conversations surrounding inclusivity and representation are more prominent than ever.
However, supporters of Pope Leo XIV pushed back against the criticism, insisting that the seating chart was arranged without any discriminatory intent. According to them, the placements were random and not meant to be interpreted as a rejection or exclusion of anyone present.
As the debate continues to grow online, the Vatican has yet to publicly comment on whether the seating arrangement was deliberate or simply a logistical oversight.
