The View Hosts Debate New Pope’s Impact on LGBTQ+ Community
The selection of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, has sparked diverse reactions, including concerns from "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin regarding the potential impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Prevost, the first American to hold the position, is viewed by some as a compromise candidate, balancing traditional Catholic doctrines with support for workers and the poor. While some liberal commentators have expressed optimism, others remain skeptical about his commitment to progressive values.
Hostin, identifying as a devout Catholic, shared her initial excitement about the papal selection process. "Look, I always think it’s exciting to watch the conclave and look for the white smoke and the black smoke and just the ceremony of it," she stated, acknowledging the need for spiritual leadership during challenging times. However, her enthusiasm was tempered by concerns regarding Pope Leo XIV’s past statements on LGBTQ+ issues.
"I’m a little concerned about this choice for the LGBTQ+ community," Hostin admitted, before referencing a 2012 address given by the new Pope to bishops. In that address, Prevost reportedly "lamented the popular culture fostered and ‘sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,’ and that’s a quote, and then he cited the ‘homosexual lifestyle’ and ‘alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.’"
Hostin drew a contrast between Pope Leo XIV and his predecessor, Pope Francis, highlighting the latter’s efforts to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, including extending blessings. "I think that Pope Francis certainly made great changes in terms of embracing the LGBTQ+ community and extending blessings to the community, and I hope that this pope doesn’t roll back the-," she said, before being interrupted by other co-hosts.
Ana Navarro, also identifying as Catholic, interjected to provide context to Pope Leo XIV’s 2012 statement. She emphasized that societal views on LGBTQ+ rights have evolved significantly since then. "In 2012 there were even a lot of American politicians who today are pro-gay marriage and pro-equal rights who were not," Navarro pointed out. She suggested that the weight of the papacy could influence the new Pope’s perspective.
Navarro also referenced Pope Leo XIV’s initial message from the balcony, noting that he emphasized the Church’s love for everyone and promoted inclusivity. "He just said when he went out on the balcony that the church loves everyone and was inclusive in his first message so until we see otherwise, I think we need to pray and hope that he follows in Francis footsteps in being inclusive, forgiving, compassionate, welcoming, and speaking up for the marginalized," she said, advocating for a wait-and-see approach.
The discussion on "The View" highlights the complexities surrounding the new Pope’s views and the potential implications for the LGBTQ+ community within the Catholic Church and beyond. While some are concerned by his past statements, others remain hopeful that he will adopt a more inclusive stance, building upon the foundation laid by Pope Francis. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between traditional doctrines and evolving societal values within the Church.
Furthermore, the conversation touched upon Pope Leo XIV’s stance on gender ideology. He reportedly told a local news outlet, "The promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don’t exist." It’s important to note that while Pope Francis extended an olive branch to the LGBTQ+ community, he also expressed concerns about gender ideology, labeling it the "ugliest danger" of our time.
This shared perspective on gender ideology from both Popes indicates a potential area of continuity within the Church’s teachings, even as approaches to LGBTQ+ individuals may differ. The contrasting viewpoints on LGBTQ+ inclusion and gender ideology highlight the nuances within the Catholic Church’s stance on these issues and the challenges of navigating evolving social norms while adhering to traditional doctrines.
The selection of Pope Leo XIV has ignited a global conversation about the future direction of the Catholic Church, particularly regarding its relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. The views expressed on "The View" reflect the broader spectrum of opinions, ranging from cautious optimism to deep-seated concern. As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, his actions and pronouncements will be closely scrutinized, shaping the perceptions of his leadership and its impact on various communities within the Church and the world. The hope for many is that he will prioritize inclusivity, compassion, and understanding, fostering a welcoming environment for all members of the Catholic faith. The concerns voiced highlight the importance of open dialogue and continued efforts to bridge divides within the Church and society at large.
