When asked about his thoughts on shifting the perception of LGBTQ+ people in the church, Pope Leo XIV replied, “It seems to me very unlikely, at least in the near future, that the doctrine of the Church will change its teachings on sexuality and marriage.” The Pope recently published a biography discussing his thoughts on the church. Sexuality and gender identity were among the topics he wrote about.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo became the first Pope from the United States. Early in his career he traveled across the continent learning and teaching others about Catholicism and the Christian faith. He served as a missionary in Peru from the 1980s-1990s, working as a pastor, seminary teacher and administrator. As Cardinal, Leo addressed issues of climate change, global migration, church governance, human rights and has similar beliefs as his predecessor Pope Frances.
Pope Leo XIV quickly took over the role from Frances on May 8, 2024. Following hi election by the Sacred College of Cardinals, Frances reminded parishioners and others around the globe that in the Catholic church, all are accepted in the eyes of God.
Pope Frances has blessed same sex couples and for some, like Francis DeBernardo, that brought hope, “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.” Debernardo is the executive director of New Ways Ministry, a Catholic LGBTQ+ ministry.
“What Francis stated very clearly with that,” Pope Leo offered through a quote from his predecessor: “‘Todos, todos.’ Everyone is invited in, but not as an expression or non-expression of a specific identity.”
“I invite a person because he or she is a son or daughter of God. Everyone is welcome, and we can get to know and respect each other.”
Leo also addressed people hoping for the Catholic Church to change their beliefs on same sex couples. “People want Church doctrine to change and they want attitudes to change,” he said. “I believe that we must first change attitudes, before even thinking about changing what the Church teaches on a particular issue.”
Regardless of the church’s progress, Pope Leo believes in the core Catholic teachings that oppose same-sex marriage. “Blessing[s] are for people in the same-sex unions but not the union themselves.
He concluded, “The teaching of the Church will continue to remain as it is, and for now I have nothing more to add on this point.”