Vatican City, Sep 1 (AP) – On Monday, Pope Leo XIV held a significant meeting with one of the leading advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Catholic Church, Rev. James Martin. This meeting, occurring just a few days before an anticipated Holy Year pilgrimage of LGBTQ+ Catholics to the Vatican, underscores the continued embrace in the new papal administration.
Rev. Martin, a Jesuit author and editor from New York, shared that Pope Leo intends to maintain Pope Francis's approach towards greater LGBTQ+ acceptance within the Church. Martin expressed his delight after the meeting, saying, “It was wonderful. It was very consoling, very encouraging, and frankly a lot of fun.” The discussion, which lasted roughly half an hour, was notable for its public announcement by the Vatican, indicating Pope Leo's desire for transparency.
This audience marks a clear sign of continuity with Pope Francis, who worked extensively to make the Catholic Church more welcoming to LGBTQ+ Catholics. Francis famously said, “Who am I to judge?” regarding a purportedly gay priest, and he permitted priests to bless same-sex couples, distinguishing his papacy with an inclusive message. During his 12-year tenure from 2013 to 2025, Francis met with Martin multiple times and appointed him to significant roles, including as an advisor in the Vatican's communications department. However, Francis upheld traditional church teachings, labeling homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered.”
Pope Leo's stance on LGBTQ+ Catholics had been uncertain. Shortly after his election in May, remarks surfaced from 2012 in which Leo, then Rev. Robert Prevost, criticized the “homosexual lifestyle” and questioned the role of the media in promoting same-sex relationships that conflicted with Catholic doctrine. Upon becoming a cardinal in 2023, Prevost was asked by Catholic News Service if his views had evolved. He acknowledged Pope Francis’s call for a more inclusive church, reiterating the need for greater openness without altering doctrine.
Martin, who has worked with Prevost in discussions about the church's future, expressed confidence in Pope Leo’s welcoming nature. He emphasized that hearing this message of continuation from Leo was uplifting. Martin reported that Leo also highlighted his priorities, focusing on peace and unity, particularly referencing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar.
Martin noted Leo’s reminder that “this is a church for todos, todos, todos,” echoing Pope Francis's famous phrase in Spanish that emphasizes the church’s inclusivity. Martin, who co-founded Outreach, a ministry supporting LGBTQ+ acceptance, is participating in a Holy Year pilgrimage organized by the Italian LGBTQ+ Catholic group “Jonathan’s Tent.” This event includes a Mass at Rome’s Jesuit church, led by the second-highest official in the Italian bishops’ conference.
While the pilgrimage is not officially sponsored by the Vatican, its inclusion on the Vatican’s Holy Year events calendar sends a significant message. Although Vatican officials state the listing is logistical rather than an endorsement, Martin believes it is consistent with church teachings that emphasize outreach to those on the margins.
Martin shared that Pope Leo encouraged him to continue his advocacy for LGBTQ+ Catholics, stating, “If people were happy with Pope Francis’ approach to LGBTQ Catholics, they’re going to be happy with Pope Leo’s approach.” The message was one of support and encouragement to continue promoting inclusivity within the Church.
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