Jesuit Martin: Pope Leo XIV in favour of openness towards LGBTQ Catholics

Rome - Francis repeatedly expressed his appreciation of queer Catholics. But where does his successor Leo XIV stand on this issue? LGBTQ pastor James Martin has now met him in a private audience.

Published on 01.09.2025 at 12:54 –

According to the well-known US Jesuit and queer chaplain James Martin, Pope Leo XIV has an open attitude towards LGBTQ Catholics. He feels "honoured and grateful", Martin wrote on the platform "X" after a private audience with the Pope on Monday. "I was very moved to hear the same message that I had already heard from Pope Francis about LGBTQ Catholics, namely a message of openness and acceptance."

He experienced Pope Leo XIV as "serene, joyful and encouraging", Martin continued. "For me, it was a deeply comforting meeting. Please pray for the Holy Father!" Martin is in Rome for a pilgrimage of LGBTQ Christians for the Holy Year.

Martin was considered a close confidant of the late Pope Francis, who was also a member of the Jesuit order. Among other things, Francis appointed Martin as a participant in the World Synod and as an advisor to the Vatican Communications Dicastery. During his time in office, Francis had expressed ambivalent views on queer believers. He repeatedly emphasised publicly that the Church is there for everyone and authorised the"Fiducia supplicans" declaration of blessing by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. At the same time, he warned against a"gender ideology" and spoke pejoratively of"faggotry" in the church. (cbr)

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