LGBTQ Christian groups are watching Pope Leo XIV with anticipation, whom they welcomed with relief despite his statements 15 years ago on sexual diversity — a topic that “does not seem to be a priority on his agenda,” according to religion sociologist Mar Griera.
The election of Leo XIV halts the ultra-conservative counteroffensive within the Catholic Church
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV is considered “anti-Trump” and was one of the preferred candidates of the more progressive cardinals. However, he also represents a safe and balanced choice between those wanting to continue Francis’ legacy and those pushing to return to Catholic conservatism. It remains to be seen how this will translate into his stance on the LGBTQ community following Francis’ openness — which, despite good intentions, fell short of deep reform. For now, all we have are some public statements that may offer clues to his views — at least, at the time they were made.
It was in 2012 that Robert Francis Prevost lamented in a speech to bishops that Western media and pop culture were “promoting sympathy for beliefs and practices contrary to the Gospel,” citing among them “the homosexual lifestyle” and same-sex families. In the same speech, he described “gender ideology” as “confusing” because it “seeks to create genders that do not exist.”
Pope Prevost and the “homosexual lifestyle”: “Let’s hope he doesn’t close the windows that have already been opened”
Despite this, LGBTQ Catholic communities welcomed Prevost’s appointment with relief. While Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was seen as a more openly LGBTQ-friendly candidate, Leo XIV is far removed from the ultra-conservative, anti-LGBTQ alliances gaining ground globally. At the same time, organizations are remaining cautious and observant of the new pontificate. “Francis opened windows for the LGBTQ community. We hope Leo XIV doesn’t close them — and maybe even starts looking for the doors,” says Raúl Peña, spokesperson for Crismhom, the LGBTQ Christian community in Madrid.
An ambiguous stance
For now, Peña’s impressions are not negative. Although he acknowledges the difference between Jorge Bergoglio’s and Prevost’s public remarks, he believes Prevost’s known statements are not enough to draw firm conclusions. “They’re 15 years old — I don’t even think the same way I did back then… Trying to predict the direction of his pontificate based on those statements would be like fortune-telling from the past,” says the gay Catholic.
The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, the world’s largest LGBTQ Catholic network, acknowledges that the new pope’s words “reflect a conservative stance” on sexual diversity but agrees that “ideas can change” over time. They note that while he has shown support for “marginalized groups,” his position on issues such as blessing same-sex couples “remains ambiguous.” In 2023, after Francis approved a declaration allowing such blessings, Prevost commented that it would not “work” in Africa.
Still, all voices consulted call for patience in watching how Leo XIV’s early actions unfold. “Perhaps his time alongside Francis has helped him revise his opinions,” suggests Gema Segoviano, coordinator of the Faith and Spirituality group within Spain’s National LGBTQ Federation. “In any case, he should be aware that his words can cause harm — or bring relief. Francis had the chance to meet and listen to LGBTQ people, which is how you break down stereotypes. I hope the new pope follows that path,” she adds.
Within that framework, the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics calls on the pontiff to continue promoting “broad listening and deep reflection on topics that were once taboo” and expresses hope that “progress will continue toward building a more welcoming and inclusive Church.” “We hope he continues to learn from LGBTQ stories, celebrate our gifts, and recognize that certain teachings and practices have caused harm and must be reexamined,” says Marianne Duddy-Burke, the network’s co-president.
“These won’t be key issues”
LGBTQ Christian groups are holding on to Prevost’s first words from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after his election. In a speech delivered in Italian and partially in Spanish, he defended “a Church that builds bridges, fosters dialogue, and is ready to welcome all who are in need.” These words, echoing Francis’ tone, are a source of optimism for Raúl Peña. “We would’ve loved for him to come out onto the balcony and say he was going to change doctrine, but since that’s unlikely, we believe what he said is hopeful.”
Francis’ legacy in this regard is marked by gestures toward LGBTQ realities, which stood in stark contrast to the repeated rejection of previous popes. Francis frequently met with and spoke to people from the LGBTQ community, and his record includes a handful of ambiguous but notable phrases — from the famous “Who am I to judge?” to the disparaging term “faggotry” in reference to seminaries. His most significant steps forward were blessing same-sex couples and allowing trans people to be baptized — with conditions — but he did not carry out a deep doctrinal transformation of the Church’s teachings on sexuality.
That is exactly where “the challenge” lies for Leo XIV, says Mar Griera, a sociologist at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and director of ISOR, a sociology of religion research group. “Francis made symbolic gestures of support that led to little real change. The issue for Prevost is that the gestures have already been made by Bergoglio — now it would be his turn to enact doctrinal changes, which will be very hard to achieve in the short term. First, because he’ll face strong opposition, and second, because he has already signaled that his priorities will be social issues and peace,” the expert explains.
Griera points out that the pope’s public comments on the LGBTQ community are “few, beyond the clichés,” and “very dated,” since Leo XIV “has kept a low profile” on the subject. This leads her to conclude that neither gender nor LGBTQ issues will be central to his agenda. “We’ll see if he’s capable of listening and changing his views, but it doesn’t seem like these will be key matters for him,” she concludes.