“It is hard not to believe that the Diocese of Rochester acts more to sabotage the cause and less to protect the good of the Church,” says Vicar General of Diocese of Peoria.

“The world is watching as we abandon our commitments to American values. These actions ... lower our estimation in the eyes of the many peoples who want to know America as a defender of human rights and religious liberty”.

Lizzy Myers from Ohio, along with her family, are due to meet the Pontiff next week at Casa Santa Marta.