Pope Francis met with two prominent LGBTQ activists from Africa at the Vatican on Tuesday, extending his support amidst rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment in the region. Clare Byarugaba of Chapter Four Uganda and Ebenezer Peegah from Rightify Ghana were the distinguished guests. Byarugaba, who also founded PFLAG Uganda, shared a photo on Twitter of herself with the Pope. Byarugaba briefed Francis on the devastating impact of Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ laws, including the severe Anti-Homosexuality Act enacted by President Yoweri Museveni in 2023. She quoted Francis reaffirming that “discrimination is a sin and violence against LGBTIQ communities is unacceptable.” Francis also met with Peegah, discussing the escalating criminalization of LGBTQ individuals in Africa. Rightify Ghana expressed its gratitude for the Pope's progressive stance, highlighting his opposition to violence and discrimination. Its statement said, “Pope Francis encouraged us to ‘keep fighting for your rights,’ and that’s exactly what we will do.” In earlier comments, Francis condemned laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” reinforcing his stance during a press conference on board his plane from South Sudan. His position contrasts sharply with recent developments in Africa, where some countries, like Burkina Faso and Ghana, are moving toward stricter anti-LGBTQ laws, while others, like Angola and Seychelles, have decriminalized consensual same-sex relations. The Pope’s meeting with these activists underscores his continued advocacy for LGBTQ rights amid global struggles against discrimination. #Queer Up The World View