God loves us as we are - Pope to young transgender person

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 25 - God loves us just as we are, Pope Francis tells a young transgender person in a new podcast produced by Vatican Radio ahead of World Youth Day in Lisbon and released on Tuesday.
    'The Lord always accompanies us, always. Even if we are sinners, He draws near to help us," said the pope after hearing the story of Giona, who spoke about the challenges of being a believer, while accepting the reality of having physical challenges and being transgender.
    "God loves us just as we are," he added.
    "Do not give up, keep striving ahead." In the Italian language 'popecast', Francis also had words of encouragement for Edward and Valerij, who are both serving time in a juvenile correctional community, and for Arianna who struggles with bipolar disorder.
    World Youth Day 2023 will take place in the Portuguese capital from August 1-6. (ANSA).