Some 1,400 Catholics donning rainbow attire and carrying crosses are taking part in the first officially recognised LGBTQ+ pilgrimage to Rome as part of the Vatican's Jubilee Year.
Coming from 20 countries, pilgrims are attending prayer vigils, masses and other activities this weekend - though they will not have a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.
His predecessor Pope Francis, who died in April, did not change the Roman Catholic Church doctrine regarding the LGBTQ+ community - but made overtures in a decree in 2023.
These included allowing priests to bless same-sex couples - a move that angered conservatives Catholics, notably in Africa.
On Saturday, members from the LGBTQ+ community entered St Peter's Basilica though its Holy Door - a procession that symbolises reconciliation.
