<sod >Laurent Stefanini was nominated as Franceâs ambassador to the Holy See by the countryâs council of ministers The Italian media has been quick to remind Francis of his declaration last year: âIf someone is gay.< eod>< sod > Laurent Stefanini was nominated as Franceâs ambassador to the Holy See by the countryâs council of ministers Liberal Catholicsâ hopes for a more inclusive church were further dashed last October when an interim synod report on social issues, which stated that gay people had âgifts and qualities to offerâ was watered down drastically by the time the final version appeared, following a fierce backlash by conservative bishops.< eod>