Mónica Astorga spent almost 40 years as a Discalced Carmelite nun in Argentina and became prioress of her convent in Neuquén.
She became internationally known for her work with transvestites because of Pope Francis' encouragement.
Astorga
meanwhile left the convent and trained in hairdressing. The Vatican
formally accepted her departure from the Discalced Carmelites in 2024.
She “still” considers herself a believer – yet without attending a
Eucharist regularly.
Long Connection with Bergoglio
Her connection with Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis, began much earlier.
Astorga
says she met him when he was a Jesuit in Buenos Aires in 1987, nearly
two decades before she began working with transvestites. She later
described Bergoglio's support for her as “unconditional.”
Beginning Her Work with Transvestites
Astorga
began assisting transvestites in 2006, after one such guy sought help
in a parish. Her clientele included prostitutes, people living with HIV,
and impoverished or seriously ill transvestites.
Her work
expanded into housing. A house opened in 2010 for transvestites
recovering from hospitalization or needing somewhere to die.
A larger project followed: land was provided in 2017 and 12 apartments were completed in 2020 with government support.
Bergoglio's Changing Attitude
According
to Astorga, Bergoglio's attitude toward transvestites also changed over
time. She says that in his earlier letters he referred to them using
masculine forms, but later began referring to them as “girls.”
After
the election of Pope Francis in 2013, this relationship continued.
Astorga kept numerous letters and emails from Francis and showed some to
the BBC in January 2026.
In one message Francis told her to continue the work and remain accompanied by her community.
Conflict with Her Bishop
Around
2020, Astorga entered into conflict with the bishop of Neuquén. He
questioned whether assisting transvestites in this manner was actually
her vocation as a Discalced Carmelite. Opposition also developed within
her own religious community.
Astorga then appealed directly to Pope Francis. According to her testimony, Francis told her: “Keep going, keep going.”
His support, however, did not resolve her conflict with the local Church authorities and her community.
Leaving the Carmelites
Eventually Astorga decided to leave religious life.
Francis
reportedly tried to persuade her not to leave the Carmelites. She
refused, telling him that she intended to continue helping
transvestites. According to Astorga, Francis answered that he understood
and encouraged her not to give up.
Astorga moved to Buenos Aires in 2023 and continued her work.
According
to her testimony, Francis also provided her with financial assistance
from the Vatican while she was establishing her life outside the
convent.
Estranged from the Church
Astorga says she has not lost her faith, but has lost confidence in people within the Church.
She
now says she attends a Eucharist only when she feels a strong need and
enters after the priest has finished speaking because she cannot listen
to priests.