Pope Leo XIV, who was elected following the papacy of Pope Francis, has faced scrutiny for previously expressed views on LGBTQ+ issues. In remarks made in 2012, when he was the Augustinian prior general in Chicago, Leo criticized what he termed the "homosexual lifestyle" and pointed to the mass media's role in promoting acceptance of same-sex relationships, which he believes are in conflict with Catholic doctrine. This criticism gained renewed attention in light of his election as pope on a Thursday.
Francis DeBernardo, of New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based organization advocating for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics, expressed disappointment regarding Leo’s past statements. He urged for a more progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues, stating, "We will take a wait-and-see attitude to see if that has happened," highlighting the potential for change over the 13 years since Leo's original comments.
A 2012 video showed Leo's address during the world Synod of Bishops, where he criticized how contemporary media depicted alternative family structures, particularly those comprising same-sex partners and their adopted children. He argued that Western mass media fosters sympathy for concepts that contradict the Catholic gospel, including abortion and euthanasia.
Upon becoming Cardinal in 2023, Leo was asked about any shift in his views regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Acknowledging Pope Francis's advocacy for a more inclusive church, he emphasized that while the doctrine regarding such matters remains unchanged, there is a desire to be more welcoming towards all individuals, regardless of lifestyle choices. He claimed, "We are looking to be more welcoming and more open," aligning with Francis's message of inclusion.
In his inaugural address as pope, Leo XIV emphasized the importance of building bridges and expressing God's love for all. Rev. James Martin, an American Jesuit who founded a ministry focused on LGBTQ+ outreach, characterized the cardinals’ choice of Leo as "brilliant," praising his humility and extensive experience in outreach with the poor and in the Vatican.
Pope Francis had redefined the church's approach to LGBTQ+ individuals in certain respects, striving to create a more welcoming environment. However, he maintained the traditional Catholic stance on same-sex relationships and marriage, reiterating that the church’s core doctrine had not changed during his papacy. The Catholic Church still condemns same-sex relations and asserts that such orientations are "intrinsically disordered."
In reaction to the election of Leo XIV, the LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD encouraged the new pontiff to "build on the progress" made by his predecessor, calling for an embrace of LGBTQ+ individuals characterized by compassion, dignity, and love. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis remarked on the potential for the Catholic Church to enter a more inclusive chapter under Leo's leadership, appealing for an extraordinary opportunity to inspire billions globally.
