On May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of a new Pope. The cardinals of the papal conclave chose Robert Prevost as the next and first US-born pontiff, taking just two days to reach a decision. The 69-year-old from Chicago will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
In his first speech, he said, “We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue… God loves us. God love everyone. Evil will not prevail.”
His election sparked congratulatory messages from leaders across the globe, including Irish President Michael D Higgins, who described it as “an immensely significant moment for all those of faith and goodwill around the world”.
“Pope Leo XIV assumes this important role at a time of great challenges for the world,” he continued.
“I send Pope Leo my very best wishes as he begins his pontificate, and I welcome his statement that he is prepared to lead with compassion, wisdom and an enduring commitment to the values of peace, justice and human dignity.”
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The new pontiff succeeds Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025. Although he had a somewhat complicated relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, Francis was recognised as one of the most progressive pontiffs in history. Just months into his tenure, he made international headlines by uttering the now-famous quote: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has goodwill, who am I to judge him?”
Pope Francis also approved an official ruling in 2023 allowing priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples, and in the same year, he confirmed that trans people could be baptised and act as godparents. Additionally, in 2025, the Vatican issued new guidelines that allow gay men to train as priests, provided they remain celibate.
But where does Pope Leo XIV stand on LGBTQ+ issues?
While little is known, the new Pope did make some anti-LGBTQ+ statements in 2012. In a meeting of the bishops, he specifically mentioned “abortion”, the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children,” when lamenting that “Western news media and popular culture fostered ‘sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel’,” The New York Times reports.
As bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, he additionally objected to a plan to teach about gender in schools. “The promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don’t exist,” he said.
However, according to the Meidas Touch Network, Leo “has voiced compassion for the LGBTQ community”. Even so, he has reportedly “not signaled any openness to changing Church teaching on same-sex marriage or the ordination of women.”
Responding to the unearthed comments from Pope Leo XIV, Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director of LGBTQ+ Catholic group, New Ways Ministry, said, “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, and we will take a wait-and-see attitude to see if that has happened.”
DignityUSA similarly shared, “We note that this statement was made during the papacy of Benedict XVI, when doctrinal adherence appeared to be expected. In addition, the voices of LGBTQ+ people were rarely heard at that level of church leadership. We pray that Pope Leo XIV will demonstrate a willingness to listen and grow as he begins his new role as the leader of the global church.”
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GLAAD, who previously met with Pope Francis to discuss LGBTQ+ rights, stated, “The Roman Catholic Church stands on the threshold of a hopeful and inclusive new chapter. With Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, there is an extraordinary opportunity to inspire billions around the world and further embrace LGBTQ people with compassion, dignity, and love.”
The organisation’s CEO and president, Sarah Kate Ellis, added that “he can build on the progress already made and help create a Church that truly reflects the universal message of acceptance and care for all. We are hopeful to collaborate with Pope Leo, just as we did with Pope Francis, to help ensure the Church continues to grow as a welcoming home for everyone.”
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