In a historic moment, a Ugandan LGBTIQ activist has met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, reportedly receiving his support in the fight for equal rights. In a video and images posted on X by Chapter Four Uganda, the organisation’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Clare Byarugaba, is seen greeting and sitting next to the Pontiff. Byarugaba said she was “honoured” to meet Francis and briefed him on the “gross human rights violations” and the “ruinous impact” of Uganda’s anti-LGBTIQ laws, including the draconian 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. Byarugaba revealed that the Pope condemned efforts to deny LGBTIQ people their human rights.