The LGBT rights group said the Pope would meet Simon Cazal, its co-founder and executive director, on July 11. According to reports, Cazal was approached by the church earlier in June, and that they noted the “impact of your organisation on Paraguayan society.” A statement from SomosGay said the invitation “symbolises an openness and progress towards the LGBT community, remembering the ultraconservative context that has always characterised the Vatican.” Despite a recent PR blitz attempting to bolster his gay-friendly image, the Pope is yet to lift any of the actively homophobic and transphobic policies of his predecessors. He has also rallied against same-sex marriage, inviting representatives from listed hate groups to a ‘traditional marriage’ conference last year, and recently urged Slovakians to vote against equal marriage. The Catholic leader has also compared transgender people to nuclear weapons. The Pope last week personally met with France’s proposed ambassador to the Vatican – to tell him his appointment will be blocked because he is gay. The French government has refused to back down after selecting openly gay diplomat Laurent Stefanini to head to the home of the Catholic Church – which remains actively opposed to LGBT rights. However, the Vatican snubbed the country’s selection of ambassador – refusing to answer the nomination in a bid to get it withdrawn.