Pope Leo Affirms Openness Toward LGBTQ Catholics in Private Vatican Meeting

Pope Leo XIV has signaled that he intends to continue the welcoming tone of his predecessor toward LGBTQ Catholics, meeting privately with American Jesuit priest James Martin at the Vatican. The audience, lasting around 30 minutes, was described by Martin as “very warm and welcoming and friendly and relaxed.”

Speaking to AFP, Martin said Pope Leo expressed his intention to build on the legacy of Pope Francis, who during his 12-year pontificate consistently called for a Church “open to all.” Francis made repeated gestures of inclusion toward LGBTQ Catholics, while maintaining official doctrine, and in 2023 authorized blessings for same-sex couples, a move that provoked strong resistance among conservatives, particularly in Africa and the United States.

Martin, who has often drawn criticism from conservative church members for his outreach to LGBTQ Catholics, said he did not raise the issue of same-sex blessings with Pope Leo, who has not yet commented publicly on the matter since his election on May 8. However, he noted the new pope’s emphasis on “synodality,” or collaborative dialogue within the Church. “And synodality means listening to people, listening to everybody, including LGBTQ people,” he said.

The Vatican confirmed the private audience without elaborating further. The meeting comes just days before a Jubilee pilgrimage of LGBTQ Catholics in Rome, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, which is included in the official calendar of the Holy Year celebrations.