The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church. As the first American-born pope, his papacy offers an opportunity for change, especially for LGBTQ+ Catholics who have been historically marginalised within the Church. Pope Leo XIV’s leadership comes at a time when society and the Church are facing questions of inclusivity, love, and justice for all.
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy also follows that of Pope Francis, who made significant strides in offering a more compassionate tone toward LGBTQ+ people. Although Pope Francis advocated for a more inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ individuals, the Church’s official teachings on marriage and sexuality remained relatively unchanged. With the election of Pope Leo XIV, many LGBTQ+ advocates are wondering if the Church will continue to evolve or if it will return to its more traditional stance on these sensitive issues.
Compassion and Unity
One of the most promising aspects of Pope Leo XIV’s approach is his commitment to compassion and unity. From his inaugural speech, he made it clear that his papacy would focus on healing divisions within the Church. Pope Leo XIV’s message to build bridges instead of walls struck a chord with many, particularly LGBTQ+ Catholics who have felt excluded from the Church’s embrace. This focus on unity provides hope that LGBTQ+ individuals will be welcomed more openly into Church life.
During his time as Cardinal, Pope Leo XIV emphasised the importance of pastoral care for all members of the Church, particularly those who have been left on the margins. His remarks about being a shepherd to the flock — understanding the pain and challenges people face — suggests that his papacy could usher in a more empathetic approach to LGBTQ+ issues. For LGBTQ+ Catholics, the hope is that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will bring much-needed change to the Church’s treatment of its LGBTQ+ members.
Building on the Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ legacy has been significant, particularly in the way he brought inclusivity and compassion to the forefront of the Church’s relationship with LGBTQ+ individuals. His famous quote, "Who am I to judge?" was a clear departure from previous Popes and marked a shift in how LGBTQ+ people were viewed by the Church. Under Pope Francis, LGBTQ+ Catholics found themselves acknowledged in ways they hadn’t been before, though the official doctrine on issues like same-sex marriage remained largely unchanged.
Pope Leo XIV’s challenge will be to build upon the foundations laid by Pope Francis, taking the conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion and translating them into more tangible actions. While the Church’s traditional doctrine may not change overnight, there’s an opportunity for Pope Leo XIV to offer a pathway forward that includes more recognition, pastoral care, and a deeper commitment to the dignity of LGBTQ+ people.
The Role of LGBTQ+ Catholics
For LGBTQ+ Catholics, the election of Pope Leo XIV offers both hope and cautious optimism. Many have longed for a Church that doesn’t just tolerate their existence but celebrates their full participation in Church life. The reality is that the Church still holds firm to its doctrine on same-sex relationships and marriage, but Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral care could be the key to creating a more inclusive environment within the existing framework.
While doctrinal change on same-sex marriage is unlikely in the immediate future, Pope Leo XIV could focus on pastoral changes — creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people feel loved, valued, and understood. His emphasis on unity and inclusivity could pave the way for a more welcoming Church for LGBTQ+ individuals, even if the official stance on marriage and sexuality remains the same for now.
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy offers a moment of hope for LGBTQ+ Catholics who have long felt neglected by the Church. Many LGBTQ+ Catholics are hoping that Pope Leo XIV will listen to their voices and create an environment where they can be fully embraced in the life of the Church without fear of judgment or exclusion. There is hope that this papacy will create a Church that aligns its message of love and acceptance with its actions, creating a space for LGBTQ+ people to thrive.
Change Within Tradition
The Catholic Church is an institution steeped in tradition, and any change within the Church can be slow. Pope Leo XIV, though likely open to more inclusive language and care for LGBTQ+ people, will still have to navigate the complexity of Church doctrine. However, there’s room for growth. The Church has always been a living institution, capable of adapting to the changing needs of the faithful while still holding fast to its core teachings.
Pope Leo XIV’s role is to find balance. He will likely maintain traditional Church teachings, but the way those teachings are communicated and implemented could evolve to reflect a more inclusive spirit. Small changes — like providing LGBTQ+ Catholics with the pastoral care they need and treating them with dignity — could be the first steps toward a broader cultural shift within the Church.
There’s also the issue of LGBTQ+ visibility in the Church. Many LGBTQ+ Catholics long for role models within the Church — people who are open about their identities and can show others that they can live their faith without hiding who they are. Pope Leo XIV has the potential to elevate LGBTQ+ voices, providing them with visibility and encouraging others to be open and honest about their identities.
The Future: Embracing Inclusivity
The future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV is still uncertain, but there’s hope. The Church stands at a crossroads, with the potential for continued progress or a return to traditional views. However, Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on unity, compassion, and dialogue suggests that his leadership will favour inclusivity over exclusion.
There is hope that Pope Leo XIV will be the leader who can bring the Catholic Church into a new era — one where LGBTQ+ people are welcomed, celebrated, and included. This doesn’t mean doctrinal changes will come quickly, but there is room for change in tone and action. For LGBTQ+ Catholics, the path forward is about dialogue, empathy, and hope.
Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is a unique moment in the history of the Church, and for LGBTQ+ Catholics, it’s an opportunity to advocate for a Church that truly embraces them. It’s a chance for the Catholic Church to lead with love, understanding, and justice for all its members, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.