The Catholic Church Under Pope Leo XIV: A Period of Uncertainty for LGBTQ+ Advocates
The recent ascension of Pope Leo XIV to the papacy has introduced a sense of uncertainty within the LGBTQ+ community and among those who advocate for their inclusion in the Catholic Church. Following the more progressive tenure of Pope Francis, whose openness and outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals sparked hope and progress, Pope Leo XIV’s past statements and relative silence on the issue have raised concerns about a potential shift in the Church’s approach.
Advocates are now adopting a "wait-and-see" approach, carefully observing the new pope’s actions and pronouncements to determine the future direction of LGBTQ+ ministry and inclusion within the global Catholic community of 1.4 billion.
Francis DeBernardo, the executive director of New Ways Ministry, a prominent Catholic organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance and equity, expressed cautious optimism. While acknowledging Pope Leo XIV’s limited statements on the matter, DeBernardo remains hopeful that the new pope will continue the progressive path charted by his predecessor. "There’s a great possibility that he will have a positive effect on LGBTQ ministry," DeBernardo stated, highlighting the potential for continued progress despite the initial uncertainties.
However, the limited information available about Pope Leo XIV’s views on LGBTQ+ issues has fueled speculation and apprehension. A report from the College of Cardinals revealed that, as Robert F. Prevost in 2012, he voiced concerns about the perceived promotion of "sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the gospel" in Western culture, specifically referencing the "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families made up of same-sex partners and their adopted children." These statements, made when he was the leader of the Order of Saint Augustine, suggest a potentially less open attitude towards LGBTQ+ issues.
Meli Barber, the president of Dignity USA, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Catholic Church and society, acknowledged the concerns stemming from Pope Leo XIV’s past statements. However, she emphasized the significant changes in societal and Church attitudes since 2012. "2012 was really a different time in our church and in our society," Barber noted, expressing hope that Pope Leo XIV’s thinking has evolved, particularly given his close association with Pope Francis.
Barber and DeBernardo find encouragement in Pope Leo XIV’s apparent commitment to synodality and social justice, two key aspects of Pope Francis’ papacy. Synodality, which emphasizes collaboration and consultation with all Catholics, including lay parishioners and priests, could potentially create avenues for LGBTQ+ Catholics to share their experiences and perspectives, influencing the Church’s understanding and approach to LGBTQ+ issues.
Despite these promising signs, the lack of specific information regarding Pope Leo XIV’s current stance on LGBTQ+ issues remains a significant concern. "Without knowing anything further about his stance, I just choose to be hopeful that his thinking has evolved and that we will see a continuation of the Francis way and not see any backsliding on LGBTQ issues," Barber said, underscoring the uncertainty and the desire for continued progress.
DeBernardo believes that Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to synodality could indirectly benefit LGBTQ+ individuals. "His concern for the poor, and for those economically and politically marginalized, are important and I’m really happy to see he has a social justice frame of mind," he said. "I hope he will meet and listen to LGBTQ Catholics so that his mind might be expanded on these issues."
The contrast between Pope Francis’ actions and Pope Leo XIV’s limited public statements highlights the shift in atmosphere for LGBTQ+ advocates. Pope Francis’ meeting with a delegation from New Ways Ministry last fall, which included transgender and intersex individuals, demonstrated his willingness to engage with and support the LGBTQ+ community. This meeting stood in stark contrast to the Vatican’s actions in 1999, when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, barred the organization’s founders from conducting pastoral outreach to gay people.
Pope Francis’ papacy was marked by several groundbreaking moments regarding LGBTQ+ issues. His famous "Who am I to judge?" response when questioned about gay priests in 2013 signaled a significant shift in tone. Furthermore, his declaration in December 2023 allowing priests to bless same-sex couples represented a tangible step towards greater inclusion. New Ways Ministry hailed this embrace of a traditionally marginalized community as a message that "rang loudly around the globe."
However, even after Pope Francis’ declaration, then-Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, stressed the importance of granting bishops the authority to interpret and apply directives within their local communities, considering the diverse cultural contexts. This emphasis on local interpretation raises concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates that progress could be uneven and dependent on the attitudes of individual bishops.
DeBernardo anticipates that Pope Leo XIV will likely maintain Pope Francis’ message of "welcoming and compassion" towards the LGBTQ+ community. However, he does not expect the new pope to actively champion LGBTQ+ issues in the same way as his predecessor. "I think he will continue Pope Francis’ message of welcoming and compassion for the LGBTQ community," DeBernardo said, "but I don’t think he’s going to actively promote LGBTQ issues in the way Pope Francis did, by making dramatic statements or gestures."
While acknowledging that this scenario is not ideal, DeBernardo considers it a "good thing" as long as Pope Leo XIV allows LGBTQ+ ministry to continue unhindered. "As long as he allows LGBTQ ministry to go forward, I don’t think any harm will be done," he stated.
DeBernardo draws a parallel to the initial reactions following Pope Francis’ election, when past comments made by the then-Cardinal in Argentina suggested a disapproving stance on marriage equality. Those concerns ultimately proved unfounded.
"There’s always the idea that when someone reaches the top, they feel they can address controversial issues in the way they want to rather than the way they’re supposed to," DeBernardo said. "That’s why I say there’s a great possibility that he has changed. The day after Francis was elected, no one would have guess he would be the gay liberation pope."
The future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV remains uncertain. Advocates are cautiously optimistic, hoping that his commitment to synodality and social justice will lead to continued progress, even if it is not as actively promoted as it was under Pope Francis. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining the direction of the Church’s approach to LGBTQ+ issues and the extent to which the progress achieved under Pope Francis will be sustained.
