LGBTQ+ Advocates Cautiously Hopeful as Pope Leo XIV Takes the Reins of Catholic Church

Will Pope Leo XIV Advance LGBTQ+ Inclusion or Return to Tradition?

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy following the legacy of Pope Francis, LGBTQ+ advocates around the world are expressing cautious optimism about the new pontiff’s approach to inclusion and equality within the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis was widely praised for shifting the Church’s tone from one of condemnation to one of compassion and outreach toward the LGBTQ+ community. His leadership marked a historic change in dialogue, earning praise from progressive Catholics and human rights advocates alike.

Now, attention turns to his successor, Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert F. Prevost. While he has yet to speak extensively on LGBTQ+ topics as pope, early statements from his past have prompted both concern and hope among Catholic LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

“We’re going to take a wait-and-see approach,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, a Catholic group dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion. “There’s a great possibility that he will have a positive effect on LGBTQ ministry.”

Some caution stems from remarks Leo made back in 2012. Then serving as head of the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost voiced concerns that Western culture was promoting “sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the gospel,” specifically referencing “the homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families made up of same-sex partners and their adopted children.” These comments, made over a decade ago, have resurfaced as the public gauges the direction of his papacy.

However, LGBTQ+ advocates are encouraged by Leo XIV’s support for synodality — a key principle of Pope Francis’ leadership. Synodality emphasizes shared decision-making and open consultation within the Church, including input from laypeople and parishioners.

“We’re hopeful because synodality can give a voice to LGBTQ+ Catholics who have too often been left out of Church conversations,” said one advocate.

Additionally, Pope Leo XIV’s apparent dedication to social justice mirrors Pope Francis’ broader efforts to prioritize marginalized communities, suggesting a potential path for continued engagement on LGBTQ+ issues.

Still, uncertainty remains.

“When it comes to LGBTQ issues specifically, there just isn’t enough information yet,” said DeBernardo. “We’re watching closely, and we hope Pope Leo XIV will continue Francis’ commitment to dialogue and dignity.”

As Pope Leo XIV begins to shape his leadership, the global LGBTQ+ Catholic community remains watchful — and hopeful — that the Church’s recent progress won’t be reversed, but built upon.