LGBTQ+ Catholics React to New Pope Leo XIV
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Several Catholic LGBTQ+ ministries are cautiously welcoming Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope he will build on Pope Francis' more inclusive tone, while also noting their concern over resurfaced remarks against the community from a decade ago.
Newsweek has reached out to some LGTBQ ministries and resource groups for comment via email on Friday.
Why It Matters
Former Pope Francis died on April 21, marking the end of a 12-year papacy during which the late pontiff tried to adjust the Roman Catholic Church to a changing, modern world. He sparked both praise and controversy throughout his papacy over his relatively progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues. However, he also faced backlash after allegedly using a homophobic slur in a private meeting about gay seminarians.
Under Pope Francis, the Vatican did not officially change doctrine on same-sex relationships or gender identity, but it adopted a more welcoming tone.
The conclave decided on Thursday that Robert Prevost, a missionary-turned-Vatican official who spent much of his career ministering in Peru, will serve as the new pope. He is the first American pope in the Church's 2,000-year history.
Since his election, several 2012 comments from Pope Leo XIV have resurfaced that were critical of the LGBTQ+ community.
(L):Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope in history, appears before his faithful on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on May 8, 2025, in Vatican City (Vatican). (R): LGBTQ Pride flags and...
(L):Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope in history, appears before his faithful on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on May 8, 2025, in Vatican City (Vatican). (R): LGBTQ Pride flags and ribbons are viewed in front of the First United Methodist Church on the eighth anniversary of the date when a gunman opened fire on the crowd at the Pulse nightclub, Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Orlando, Fla. More
Phelan M. Ebenhack/ EBENP/AP Stefano Spaziani/ Europa Press
What To Know
Francis' successor, Leo XIV, may be seen as less progressive on the subject, with many pointing to his 2012 address as reflective of his stance.
In that address, Prevost spoke about the "sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel," citing "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children."
While serving as a bishop in Peru, Prevost opposed government plans to add teachings about gender in school, calling "the promotion of gender ideology...confusing" since they "create genders that don't exist," according to The New York Times.
The New Ways Ministry, which advocates for justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Catholics, said in a statement that they welcome the new leader of the Catholic Church and "pledge our prayers for him" as he assumes to the shepherding post. However, they're hoping that his stance on LGBTQ+ issues has changed since Francis took over the church.
"We pray that, in the 13 years that have passed, 12 of which were under the papacy of Pope Francis, his heart and mind have developed more progressively on LGBTQ+ issues, and we will take a wait-and-see attitude to see if that has happened," they added, pointing to the Times report.
In a similar sentiment, DignityUSA, an activist group for LGBTQ Catholics, wrote in a statement they are offering their "prayers and best wishes" to the new pope. But, the group added that the needs of the historically marginalized, including LGBTQ+ people continue "to be heard and addressed by the Vatican and other church leaders."
Many of the ministries said they hope that the new pope will reflect on and mirror Pope Francis' famous comments when asked about homosexuality.
"If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" Francis said.
He also said that being gay is "not a crime" and described the criminalization of the LGBTQ+ community as "wrong."
Michael O'Loughlin, the executive director of Outreach, an organization supporting LGBTQ Catholics, told The Advocate that early signs seem to indicate Leo will continue the legacy of Francis. He pointed to his name that honors a "pope committed to justice" and his call for the church to be focused on "peace and dialogue."
"While we do not yet know how the new pope will interact with LGBT Catholics, the same was true in 2013 on the night Pope Francis was elected, and his pontificate wound up being inspiring to so many in our community," O'Loughlin said.
What People Are Saying
Robert Prevost, in his first words as the new Pope Leo XIV: "Peace be with you all. Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts to reach your families to all people everywhere to all the earth: peace be with you."
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
LGBT Catholics Westminster said in a Thursday statement: "Opinions and ideas can change, and he supported Pope Francis' change in pastoral practice to allow divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, and he showed support for Fiducia Supplicans, allowing blessings for same-sex couples. His election is a clear rebuff to those who wanted a return to a rigorous legalism and a more fortress-style Church."
The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics said in a May 8 statement citing the new pope's 2012 comments: "But opinions and ideas can change, and he supported Pope Francis' change in pastoral practice to allow divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, and he showed mild, but present, support for Fiducia Supplicans. He has expressed openness to marginalized groups, though his stance on specific issues like blessing same-sex couples remains ambiguous."
Stan "JR" Zerkowski, executive director of Fortunate Families, which supports LGTBQ+ Catholic children, siblings, and family members, said in a May 8 statement: "We rejoice with the Church for the gift of Pope Leo XIV as Fortunate Families continues on our journey toward a more inclusive, affirming, blessing, and supportive Church for our LGBTQ+ siblings. We make the words of Pope Leo XIV our own: 'Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward.'"
What Happens Next
The church remains divided on LGBTQ+ issues, with some dioceses pushing for more inclusive policies and others maintaining a strict doctrinal stance.
New Ways Ministry will be hosting a virtual Zoom panel to discuss their hopes for the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV on Sunday May 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
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