The bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport and other local members of the Catholic Church are back from a historic visit with the pope.

Bishop Frank Caggiano and members of Courage International, a Connecticut-based ministry that for nearly half a century has ministered to Catholics dealing with same-sex attraction, say Pope Leo gave his blessing and encouragement for Courage to continue its work.

Pope Leo met with the delegation at the Vatican on Feb. 6.

Courage International marked 45 years last year of helping individuals struggling with sexuality live in line with church teaching.

Originally founded in Manhattan, the group’s headquarters is based in Bridgeport.

Local members of the church say the meeting with Leo was a huge morale boost and an extraordinary gift.

“We spent about, I would say, maybe 35 minutes with the Holy Father, and it was a great conversation. It really was a great conversation. He is very affable. I would say he’s just really down to earth,” Caggiano said.

The bishop says this is the first time a pope has met with the Courage delegation since its founding. He says the pope is more knowledgeable about Courage, and he is encouraged.