Pope Francis has told the parents of gay children that God loves them “as they are” because they are “the children of God”. His remarks came following the Wednesday General Audience where he had a brief meeting with members for an Italian group Tenda di Gionata (Jonathan’s Tent), which supports the parents of LGBT children. According to reports of the encounter, Francis said “God loves your children as they are.” He also said: “The Pope loves your children as they are because they are children of God.” Mara Grassi, the vice-president of the support group, relayed details of what the Pope said following the audience, and that she had presented Francis with a book Genitori Fortunati (Blessed Parents). A copy of the book will soon be available in English.