L’Aquila, 12 August (LaPresse) – Pope Leo has replied to the letter written by Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham, the couple living in Palmoli (Chieti), known as the ‘forest family’, assuring them that he had “taken note of the contents of their letter” and that he would “keep them and their family in his prayers”. On 28 May, the couple wrote to the Holy Father asking for his intervention and prayers regarding the situation involving their three children, who have been living in a foster home in Vasto (Chieti) since 20 November 2025, following the suspension of the couple’s parental responsibility. They also thanked him for his stance on parents’ primary right to the upbringing of their children. “Nathan and Catherine extend their heartfelt thanks to the Holy Father for his fatherly concern and prayers, and hope that his intervention in the matter may facilitate the urgent return of their three children to the family in time for this summer holiday. They also express their gratitude for the countless messages of solidarity and prayers they continue to receive from all over Italy,” said their lawyer, Simone Pillon, who is accompanying and representing them on the arduous journey to regain custody of their minor children: 7-year-old twins and a 9-year-old girl.
“Forest Family”: the Pope replies to the parents’ letter: ‘You are in my prayers’
L’Aquila, 12 August (LaPresse) – Pope Leo has replied to the letter written by Nathan Trevallion and Catherine Birmingham, the couple living in Palmoli (Chieti), known as the ‘forest family’, assuring them that he had “taken note of the contents of their letter” and that he would “keep them and their family in his prayers”. On 28 May, the couple wrote to the Holy Father asking for his intervention and prayers regarding the situation involving their three children, who have been living in a foster home in Vasto (Chieti) since 20 November 2025, following the suspension of the couple’s parental responsibility. They also thanked him for his stance on parents’ primary right to the upbringing of their children. “Nathan and Catherine extend their heartfelt thanks to the Holy Father for his fatherly concern and prayers, and hope that his intervention in the matter may facilitate the urgent return of their three children to the family in time for this summer holiday. They also express their gratitude for the countless messages of solidarity and prayers they continue to receive from all over Italy,” said their lawyer, Simone Pillon, who is accompanying and representing them on the arduous journey to regain custody of their minor children: 7-year-old twins and a 9-year-old girl.