Pope Leo XIV Appoints Bishop with LGBTQ+ Ministry Experience

Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8th, 2025, has drawn attention for his stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, who assumed the papacy under the name Leo XIV, has expressed caution regarding his past statements opposing what he described as the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.” Despite this, LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed cautious optimism, hoping Leo will continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, in fostering a more synodal Church. In his opening speech, Leo emphasized that “God loves us without limits or conditions,” a message that resonates with calls for inclusivity and compassion.

On May 18th, 2025, during his inaugural homily, Pope Leo declared, “we are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.” This statement reflects a broader emphasis on recognizing individual dignity and cultural diversity within the Church, aligning with the principles of synodality and mutual respect.

On June 12, 2025, Pope Leo appointed Fr. Thomas Hennon as Bishop of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon. Hennon has a documented history of LGBTQ+ ministry, including participation in a 2023 diocesan assembly on LGBTQ+ ministry and collaboration with the apostolate Courage. He also contributed to the “Guidelines for Pastoral Accompaniment of Sexual and Gender Minorities,” which were praised by New Ways Ministry as “strikingly positive” and “synodality in action.” These guidelines have been viewed by many as a significant step toward compassionate and inclusive pastoral care.

On August 2, 2025, Pope Leo designated St. John Henry Newman as a “Doctor of the Church,” recognizing his contributions to Catholic doctrine. Newman’s sexuality has been a subject of debate, and this designation has sparked discussions about the potential recognition of LGBTQ+ figures within the Church’s historical canon. This decision has been seen as a symbolic step toward acknowledging diverse experiences within the Church’s tradition.

On September 1st, 2025, a pilgrimage of LGBTQ+ Catholics from around the world participated in the Jubilee Year celebration, including walking through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. While Pope Leo did not make public comments on the event, Bishop Francesco Savino, Vice President of the Italian Bishops Conference, shared that Pope Leo had instructed him to “Go and celebrate with those brothers and sisters.” This message underscores a growing emphasis on inclusion and solidarity within the Church.

On September 5th, 2025, Pope Leo met privately with Fr. James Martin, an LGBTQ+ advocate, who reported that the Pope reiterated the same welcoming message he had received from Pope Francis. This continuity in pastoral approach suggests a commitment to fostering a Church that is open and compassionate toward all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In excerpts from his biography, *Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of XXI Century*, Pope Leo stated that he does not anticipate a change in the Church’s teaching on the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized that while everyone is invited into the Church, the invitation is based on being a “son or daughter” rather than specific identities. This perspective reflects a focus on individual relationship with God and the Church’s role in welcoming all people, a theme echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

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