A sharp contrast between Pope Francis’ inclusive approach and Pope Leo XIV’s past anti-LGBTQ+ statements is causing unease within the Catholic Church. Resurfaced comments from 2012 are raising fears of a less welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
A wave of unease rippled through LGBTQ+ Catholic communities around the world on Thursday following renewed scrutiny of decade-old remarks made by the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost. The comments, which date back to a 2012 address to the world synod of bishops, are sharply critical of homosexuality, same-sex families, and what he described as the “redefinition of marriage.”
While Pope Francis — his predecessor — was widely praised for fostering a more pastoral, inclusive tone toward LGBTQ+ individuals, Pope Leo XIV’s past rhetoric is now casting a shadow over expectations for the future of the Catholic Church under his leadership. LGBTQ+ advocates within the Church are expressing alarm that the Church may be moving away from the more empathetic and welcoming approach that Francis championed during his papacy.
In the 2012 address, then-Bishop Prevost warned fellow clergy of the cultural influence wielded by Western media, asserting that outlets were “extraordinarily effective in fostering within the general public enormous sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel.” He listed among these practices “abortion, homosexual lifestyle, [and] euthanasia,” grouping them together as morally objectionable in the eyes of the Church.
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The remarks, which resurfaced in a widely circulated video produced by the Catholic News Service — the media arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — included particularly pointed criticisms of media portrayals of same-sex couples. In the video, Prevost lamented the portrayal of “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children” in popular television shows like The New Normal and Modern Family, suggesting such portrayals distort religious truth and desensitize viewers to what he called “anti-Christian lifestyle choices.”
He further claimed that “Catholic pastors who preach against the legalization of abortion or the redefinition of marriage are portrayed as being ideologically driven, severe and uncaring,” adding that these cultural forces often render Christian teaching “ideological and emotionally cruel” in the public eye.
The statements, largely overlooked at the time by mainstream media, have gained fresh traction in the wake of Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV, especially among Catholics who had hoped the Church would continue the Francis-era momentum toward pastoral inclusivity.
“A Deeply Troubling Signal”
“We are not questioning Pope Leo’s faith or devotion to the Church,” said Miguel Fernandez, a spokesman for DignityUSA, a Catholic LGBTQ+ advocacy group. “But his prior remarks are a stark reminder of the kind of rhetoric that has alienated LGBTQ+ people from the Church for generations. It feels like a regression from the bridge-building spirit we saw under Pope Francis.”
Sister Monica Alonzo, a religious sister who ministers to LGBTQ+ youth in São Paulo, echoed the concern. “Words matter. The term ‘homosexual lifestyle’ is a reductive and stigmatizing phrase that ignores the fullness of human identity,” she said. “If the new pope believes that visibility and love in media are distortions rather than reflections of human dignity, then we have reason to worry.”
Others pointed to the contrast with Pope Francis, who famously said, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests in 2013 and endorsed civil protections for same-sex couples in a 2020 documentary. Under Francis, the Vatican also undertook quiet efforts to include LGBTQ+ issues in synodal conversations, albeit within doctrinal boundaries.
Balancing Doctrine and Dialogue
Vatican observers note that it remains to be seen whether Pope Leo XIV will retain or retreat from the Francis-era tone of pastoral openness. Though his 2012 statements strongly align with traditional Catholic teachings, especially on marriage and family, it is unclear how he will translate those views into leadership — especially in a Church that continues to grapple with changing global attitudes toward gender, sexuality, and identity.
“There is a difference between doctrinal consistency and pastoral sensitivity,” said Father Paolo Marchetti, a theologian at the Pontifical Gregorian University. “The former speaks to unchanging principles, the latter to how we welcome, listen to, and accompany people. Pope Leo XIV may reaffirm doctrine, but the real test is whether he does so with mercy or with judgment.”
Thus far, the new pontiff has not directly addressed the renewed concerns. In his first homily as pope, he emphasized fidelity to Christ, unity among the faithful, and the need for spiritual renewal, without specific reference to LGBTQ+ topics.
Still, for many Catholics — both allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community — the question remains open: Will Pope Leo XIV extend the hand of compassion or close the door on dialogue?
As the Church enters this new chapter under his leadership, the global Catholic community watches with hope, apprehension, and a deep desire for clarity.
As Pope Leo XIV ascends to the papacy following the historic tenure of Pope Francis, American LGBTQ+ Catholic groups are reacting with a mixture of apprehension and hope, reflecting on past comments and praying for a continued evolution in the Church’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
Concerns were reignited this week after The New York Times resurfaced some past remarks made by the new pontiff under the papacy of Benedict XVI—an era marked by doctrinal rigidity and limited engagement with marginalized communities. Though the remarks have triggered unease, prominent LGBTQ+ Catholic organizations say they remain cautiously optimistic that the Church will continue along the path of greater inclusion set by Francis.
“We pray that in the 13 years that have passed, 12 of which were under the papacy of Pope Francis, that his heart and mind have developed more progressively on LGBTQ+ issues,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, in a statement. “We will take a wait-and-see attitude to see if that has happened. We pray that as our church transitions from 12 years of an historic papacy, Pope Leo XIV will continue the welcome and outreach to LGBTQ+ people which Pope Francis inaugurated.”
DignityUSA, a leading advocacy group for LGBTQ+ Catholics, echoed similar sentiments. While expressing “concern” over past comments, the group contextualized them as part of an earlier period in Church history when “doctrinal adherence appeared to be expected,” and LGBTQ+ voices were often excluded from meaningful dialogue.
“We pray that Pope Leo XIV will demonstrate a willingness to listen and grow as he begins his new role as the leader of the global church,” the group wrote in an online post.
The memory of Pope Francis’ now-famous 2013 remark — “If a person is gay and he searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who am I to judge?” — continues to resonate deeply within LGBTQ+ Catholic communities. That moment, delivered informally aboard a papal flight, marked a cultural shift within the Vatican’s rhetoric and sent a powerful signal to LGBTQ+ faithful around the world.
DeBernardo referenced that quote on Thursday, noting it as a pivotal moment that “broke open the possibility of compassion and welcome” for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church hierarchy.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the coming months will be closely watched by those who believe that the moral arc of the Church is slowly, but surely, bending toward greater empathy and inclusion. For now, LGBTQ+ Catholics stand between hope and hesitation, watching for signs that their faith will continue to find a fuller reflection in the heart of Rome.
A Church at the Crossroads: New Pope Faces LGBTQ+ Legacy and Hopes for the Future
As white smoke curled into the Roman sky and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled in celebration, a wave of both hope and apprehension rippled through LGBTQ+ Catholics around the world. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV inherits not only the throne of Saint Peter, but also the legacy of a pontiff who cracked open the Vatican’s long-closed doors to sexual and gender minorities.
“The healing that began with ‘Who am I to judge?’ needs to continue and grow to ‘Who am I, if not a friend to LGBTQ+ people?’” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, a Catholic LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. “Pope Francis opened the door to a new approach to LGBTQ+ people; Pope Leo must now guide the church through that door.”
The sentiment is shared by many Catholic LGBTQ+ advocates, who see this transition as a pivotal moment. DeBernardo emphasized that despite progress under Pope Francis, many within the Church hierarchy remain woefully uninformed—or willfully blind—to the lived realities of LGBTQ+ Catholics. “Many Catholics, including bishops and other leaders, remain ignorant about the reality of LGBTQ+ lives, including the marginalization, discrimination, and violence that many still face, even in Catholic institutions,” he said. “We hope that he [Pope Leo XIV] will further educate himself by meeting with and listening to LGBTQ+ Catholics and their supporters.”
From St. Peter’s Square, Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, texted a cautious note of hope: “The new pope hasn’t said a lot since early 2010s on the subject—hope he has evolved.”
Indeed, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Alessandro Leone of Florence, has been something of a quiet figure on LGBTQ+ issues in recent years. His public record contains few statements since the early 2010s, and Vatican-watchers have long debated where he stands on the legacy left by his predecessor.
One voice offering a note of optimism was that of Father James Martin, the Jesuit priest and founder of Outreach, an LGBTQ+ Catholic ministry. Speaking from Rome in a video message, Martin described Pope Leo XIV as “down-to-earth, kind, modest,” and “a great choice.”
Martin, who in 2023 blessed a same-sex couple for the first time under newly relaxed Vatican guidelines, credits Pope Francis for extraordinary steps forward. “Pope Francis did more for LGBTQ people than all his predecessors combined,” he wrote recently. “He approved Fiducia Supplicans, allowing priests to bless same-sex couples under certain conditions, and stood firm amid fierce backlash.”
Perhaps most quietly revolutionary, Martin noted, were Pope Francis’ regular meetings with transgender Catholics—encounters that were “marked by warmth and welcome.”
Pope Francis’ evolution culminated in his 2020 endorsement of civil-union laws, a landmark statement in which he declared: “Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family. They’re children of God.”
Now, with a new papacy dawning, LGBTQ+ Catholics and their allies are watching closely. Will Pope Leo XIV carry forward the spirit of inclusion, or retreat into the shadows of ambiguity and silence?
In the words of DeBernardo, the Church stands at a threshold. Whether it chooses to step boldly into the light—or stay behind a door now ajar—may define the legacy of Pope Leo XIV for generations to come.
Leo XIV Begins His Papacy Amidst High Hopes and Underlying Tensions
Vatican City, May 10, 2025 – The election of Pope Leo XIV has ushered in an era of cautious optimism within the Catholic Church. While initial reactions painted him as a potential bridge-builder, continuing the progressive trajectory of Pope Francis while appeasing traditionalist factions, the reality is more nuanced. Leo’s ascension marks not just a change in leadership, but a shift in style and, potentially, approach.
Within hours of his election, the narrative surrounding Leo XIV solidified: a pragmatic leader, capable of listening and uniting disparate groups. A recent profile in Crux described him as possessing “solid judgment and a keen capacity to listen,” a stark contrast to Francis’ sometimes confrontational style. This image was further reinforced by his first balcony appearance, a departure from Francis’ casual attire. Leo’s choice of traditional papal vestments signaled a more formal, perhaps even more traditional, approach to the papacy.
His inaugural address, however, offered a message of unity and inclusivity: “We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open.” This conciliatory tone suggests a commitment to bridging the ideological divides within the Church, a skill honed during his years as a moderating influence among Peru’s diverse bishops.
Yet, this path to unity is fraught with potential challenges. Leo’s past criticisms of Donald Trump and his progressive leanings have already drawn ire from conservative elements within the US Catholic Church. Steve Bannon, a prominent Catholic ally of Trump, has labelled Leo the “worst pick for Maga Catholics,” highlighting the deep divisions that the new Pope must navigate.
The task before Leo XIV is monumental. He must balance the desire for unity with the need to address the evolving social and political landscape, particularly concerning issues of gender, sexuality, and social justice. His ability to draw on his experience as a mediator in Peru will be crucial in navigating the complex web of conservative and progressive factions within the global Catholic Church. While the early signs suggest a more cautious and discreet papacy than his predecessor’s, the true measure of Leo XIV’s leadership will lie in his ability to translate his conciliatory words into tangible action. The world watches with bated breath.
Pope Leo XIV: A Legacy of Francis, a Path of His Own?
Vatican City, May 10, 2025 – The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. While inheriting the mantle of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo brings his own distinct style and priorities, promising a papacy that will both build upon Francis’s legacy and forge its own path. This presents a complex picture, one of continuity and change, of hope and apprehension.
Leo’s theological focus, mirroring Francis’s, centers on the poor and marginalized. His outspoken criticism of harsh immigration policies on social media foreshadows a continued emphasis on social justice. However, his approach is expected to differ in tone. While sharing Francis’s priorities, Leo’s communication style is anticipated to be less confrontational, potentially fostering a more conciliatory atmosphere within the Church.
This more emollient approach is evident in his views on the role of bishops. As head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, Leo emphasized humility and closeness to the people, urging bishops to “walk with them and suffer with them,” a stark contrast to the image of aloof ecclesiastical authority. This emphasis on pastoral care and engagement with the laity suggests a commitment to a more accessible and relatable Church.
Leo’s commitment to environmental action further aligns with Francis’s legacy. He has called for urgent action on the climate crisis, pushing for a transition from “words to action” and warning against the harmful consequences of unchecked technological development. His concept of a “relationship of reciprocity” with nature, rather than “tyrannical dominion,” reflects a deep concern for ecological stewardship.
Furthermore, Leo’s anticipated involvement in conflict resolution, particularly in Ukraine, Gaza, and South Sudan, underscores his commitment to global peace. His inaugural words, “Peace be with you all,” and his call for “a disarmed peace and a disarming peace,” set a clear agenda for his papacy. This proactive approach to international diplomacy suggests a willingness to engage with global challenges on a broader scale.
However, a significant shadow looms over Leo’s papacy: allegations of mishandling sexual abuse cases during his time in Peru. The survivors’ organization BishopAccountability has accused him of “disregarding allegations” and “resisting disclosure of abuse information.” Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability, points to his tenure at the Dicastery for Bishops, noting the lack of transparency in handling abuse cases and the failure to hold complicit bishops accountable.
Leo’s supporters, however, maintain his innocence and claim the accusations are inaccurate and unfairly reported. They insist he followed proper procedures in the Peruvian cases. This conflicting narrative highlights the deep-seated challenges Leo faces in addressing the pervasive issue of sexual abuse within the Church. His ability to gain the trust of victims and their families will be crucial in overcoming this significant hurdle.
The legacy of Pope Francis is undeniably a significant backdrop to Leo’s papacy. While Leo is expected to continue many of Francis’s priorities, his different style and the unresolved accusations surrounding his handling of abuse cases create a complex and uncertain future for the Catholic Church. The coming years will reveal whether Leo can successfully navigate these challenges, uniting the Church while addressing its deep-seated problems and forging a path that is both faithful to its traditions and responsive to the needs of a changing world.