LGBTQ Catholics See Hope In Pope Leo’s Vision

LGBTQ Catholic advocates are expressing cautious optimism that newly elected Pope Leo XIV will continue the path of greater inclusion established by his predecessor, despite past comments suggesting more conservative views on same-sex relationships and gender identity.

As the Church enters a new chapter under American Cardinal Robert Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV upon his election last week, many LGBTQ faithful see potential for continued dialogue while recognizing significant challenges remain in reconciling their identities with official Catholic teaching.

Francis’ Legacy of Outreach

Under Pope Francis, the Catholic Church underwent what DignityUSA Executive Director Marianne Duddy-Burke described as a “seismic shift” toward acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. Francis’ famous “Who am I to judge?” comment in 2013 marked the beginning of a more welcoming tone, culminating in his 2023 approval allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, according to NBC News.

“The world is so broken at the moment in so many places—this rise of nationalism, the increased xenophobia, so many wars that are very vicious happening around the world—I just hope that he can become a very clear and trusted moral voice in the world,” Duddy-Burke told NBC News, emphasizing her hope that Leo will address “inequities and failings within our own church as well.”

Pope Leo’s Mixed Signals

LGBTQ Catholics expressed concern over comments Leo made during the 2012 Synod of Bishops, where he lamented media portrayals of “alternative families comprised of homosexual partners and their adopted children.” According to the Catholic News Service, then-Father Prevost criticized what he called “sympathy for anti-Christian lifestyle choices” that the media “brilliantly and artfully” presented to viewers.

In 2017, while serving as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, Leo spoke out against “gender ideology,” claiming it “seeks to eliminate biological differences between men and women,” as reported by Peru21. Additionally, in 2024, he appeared to support giving bishops’ conferences more authority on doctrinal matters after African bishops resisted implementing same-sex blessings due to cultural differences.

Signs of Potential Continuity

Despite these concerns, LGBTQ advocates found encouragement in Leo’s inaugural address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he spoke of “God’s all-inclusive love without any condition” and building “a church for all of God’s people.” Michael O’Loughlin, executive director of the LGBTQ Catholic organization Outreach, acknowledged disappointment in Leo’s past statements but appreciated his broader message.

“I’m willing to look at his wider message, which was one of peace and standing up for the marginalized,” O’Loughlin said. He also noted that Leo’s choice to address Peruvians in Spanish during his first appearance was “a nice sign that he’s a man of the people,” suggesting potential openness to diverse perspectives.

Evolving Catholic Views

The LGBTQ Catholic community’s hope for continued progress under Leo reflects broader shifts in Catholic attitudes. The Pew Research Center’s 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study found that 70% of U.S. Catholics now favor allowing same-sex couples to marry, up from 57% in 2014, demonstrating significant evolution among the faithful even as official doctrine remains largely unchanged.

Jason Steidl Jack, a gay Catholic and assistant teaching professor of religious studies at St. Joseph’s University in New York, described his reaction to Leo’s election as “cautiously optimistic,” noting that “one of the gifts of Pope Francis’ papacy was that he encouraged church leaders to go outside of the church, to listen to people outside of the hierarchy,” according to DignityUSA.

Path Forward for Inclusion

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, summarized the challenge and opportunity facing the new pontiff: “Pope Francis opened the door to a new approach to LGBTQ+ people. Pope Leo must now guide the church through that door.”

For many LGBTQ Catholics, the transition represents both anxiety and hope. Chicago resident Greg Krajewski, a gay man who sings in his parish every Sunday, found encouragement in Leo’s emphasis on God’s unconditional love. “I think this is a really big indication that even if he himself maybe has more reservations about the LGBTQ issues in the church, he is open to those discussions. He is open to bringing us in.”