Laurent Stefanini , 55 , asked to represent France to the world Church . Homosexual diplomat 's appointment met with opposition from the Vatican . Catholic , pope was number one at France 's Vatican polls from 2004 . In 2013 the pope seemed to speak out against the Vatican 's anti - gay stance .
Laurent Stefanini , 55 , asked to represent France to the Catholic Church . Homosexual diplomat 's appointment met with silence from the Vatican . Catholic , Stefanini was number two at France 's Vatican mission from 2001 . In 2013 the Pope seemed to speak out against the Vatican 's anti-gay stance .