The election of Pope Leo XIV, viewed as a potential continuation of Pope Francis’ progressive legacy towards LGBTQ acceptance, has sparked hope among LGBTQ Catholics. Marianne Duddy-Burke of DignityUSA expressed excitement about Cardinal Robert Prevost’s election, noting his emphasis on social justice and God’s unconditional love in his inaugural remarks. However, some LGBTQ Catholics, like Jason Steidl Jack, remain cautiously optimistic, stressing that the Church’s teachings still exhibit deep-seated homophobia and transphobia despite Francis’ more inclusive approach.
Concerns linger regarding Leo’s past statements, including remarks he made in 2012 that appeared critical of media portrayals of same-sex families. These comments raised apprehensions about his current stance, given that LGBTQ issues have evolved significantly since then. Francis DeBernardo from New Ways Ministry emphasized a wait-and-see attitude regarding any transformative growth in Leo’s views since those remarks.
Despite this, several advocates are hopeful that Leo will be open to dialogue and actively listen to the experiences of LGBTQ Catholics. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging diverse viewpoints within the Church, echoing Francis’ approach of listening to voices outside the hierarchy.
Polling data suggests moving public sentiment among practicing Catholics, with a rising percentage supporting same-sex marriage, reflecting broader societal shifts. As Leo steps into his role, advocates like Duddy-Burke hope he can serve as a moral guide, addressing global issues and the inequities within the Church itself. The overarching desire is for Leo to take actionable steps towards inclusion, building on the progressive foundations laid by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
