The LGBTQ+ community is now more concerned than ever about Pope Leo XIV’s election today because of his past remarks.
Pope Leo XIV chastised western news outlets in a 2012 speech to bishops for fostering “sympathy” that is incompatible with the gospel, citing examples such as “alternative families composed of same-sex partners and their adopted children” and “homosexual lifestyles.” It’s unclear if his opinions have evolved since then.
Pope Francis, who passed away last month at the age of 88, was the first pope to openly use the term “gay” and to publicly embrace the LGBTQ Catholic community. He met with many LGBTQ organizations, expressed his support for lawful civil unions, and offered blessings to people in same-sex relationships. The new pope’s criticism of the “homosexual lifestyle” has also backfired.
Many community members hope the recently elected Pope will keep pushing for inclusivity and acceptance. Concern is already being raised by the revived comments.
Fiducia Supplicans, an encyclical that permits Catholic priests to bless couples who are not regarded as married by Church beliefs, including same-sex couples, has received some backing from Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV is NOT “WOKE”, statement:
“Western culture increasingly promotes sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the Gospel—such as the homosexual lifestyle and alternative families made up of same-sex partners and their adopted children.” pic.twitter.com/5bledCmwNY
— ukn (@ukn444) May 8, 2025
In 1955, Cardinal Robert Prevost was born in Chicago’s South Side. He is the head of the Vatican’s influential ministry of bishops and served as a minister in Peru for the most of his career. Prevost, 69, adopted the name Leo XIV today after being elected the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.
He honored the late Pope Francis during his first mass, demonstrating his steadfast dedication to inclusivity. “Let us hold in our hearts the faint yet powerful voice of Pope Francis, who once blessed the city of Rome,” he said. “The Pope who, on that Easter morning, extended his blessing not only to Rome but to the entire world.”
The use of the Papal Mozetta and Stole along with a traditional Papal name is a good sign. From his time as Cardinal Pope Leo XIV has vocally opposed LGBTQ and gender ideology and made it clear women cannot be ordained Deacons. He’s more progressive on migration and economics. pic.twitter.com/QKuiCk3jpG
— Ted ☦️🐒 (@Tawadros15) May 8, 2025
“Allow me now to continue that blessing: God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, and united, hand in hand with God and with one another, let us move forward together,” he proclaimed.
With a unique message that gave the people hope, he went on, saying, “We must strive to be a missionary Church, one that builds bridges, one that embraces dialogue, and one that welcomes all with open arms. Let our presence be one of charity and communion, rooted in love.”
