A Vatican leader and some higher members of the U.S. clergy have thrown their support behind the new book that exhorts the Catholic Church to be more compassionate and sensitive to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

"Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community can enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity" was written by Jesuit priest James Martin, S.J. Top church leaders from the country described it as "welcome and much-needed" as well as a "must-read book."

The new Vatican Department for the Laity, Family and Life Prefect Cardinal Kevin Farrell from Dallas, Texas lent his words and opinions about the book to be one of its blurbs. San Diego Bishop Robert McElory is another U.S. prelate who backed the book.

According to Farrell, Martin's book is beneficial in giving the clergy insights on how to treat the LGBT community with more compassion. The former Dallas bishop said, "It will also help LGBT Catholics feel more at home in what is, after, their church."

Meanwhile, McElory praised the book and said that it "provides us with the language, perspective, and sense of urgency to replace a culture of alienation with a culture of merciful inclusion."

The San Diego bishop was placed in the spotlight last year when he called on the members of his diocese to invite homosexual couple and those who are cohabiting before marriage to return to the church, said Life Site News.

Newark Cardinal Joseph Tobin endorsed Martin's book for its compassionate approach in ministering to the LGBT community and "in reminding LGBT Catholics that they are as much past of our church as any other Catholic."

The Church leaders' stance on the matter of the LGBT community reflects the progressive and more liberated approach in pastoral care Pope Francis has adopted in recent years that has trickled down the organization he has led.