Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed LGBTQ inclusion in the Catholic Church, pledging continuity with Pope Francis’ welcoming approach.
Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed his acceptance of LGBTQ members in the Catholic Church, confirming plans to continue Pope Francis’ policy of inclusion ahead of a Holy Year pilgrimage to Vatican City.
The pontiff met Rev. James Martin, a New York-based author and co-founder of Outreach, a Catholic ministry promoting LGBTQ inclusion, during a 30-minute audience at the Apostolic Palace. “All people are welcome in the church,” Pope Leo said, according to the Catholic News Service.
The National Catholic Reporter said the pope’s remarks align with Francis’ earlier decisions not to judge or expel gay priests and to permit blessings for same-sex couples, though the official teaching that homosexual acts are “disordered” remains unchanged.
An estimated 1,200 people are expected at the pilgrimage, which is not officially Vatican-sponsored.
Pope Leo’s stance clarifies doubts stemming from past remarks criticizing the “homosexual lifestyle” in 2012, prior to his elevation as cardinal in 2023.