BY: DM
Published 4 days ago
In the first days of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV wasted no time making the Catholic Church’s stance on marriage crystal clear. Leo XIV has aligned himself with long-standing Catholic doctrine opposing same-sex unions.
The move differs from Leo XIV’s previous remarks, which suggest he was more progressive. Before his election, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost echoed Pope Francis’ views. Leo XIV suggested that the Church’s “tent” must be open to all who seek God, according to NPR. He has also spoken of bishops needing humility and closeness to the people rather than acting like “little princes.”
However, Leo XIV is now setting the record straight. But his remarks have prompted backlash from organizations and LGBTQIA+ Catholics around the world. Here is a look at what the new pontiff had to say about marriage.
Pope Leo XIV does not support LGBTQIA+ marriage.
During an address to Vatican diplomats, Leo XIV declared that “family” is defined as a union between a man and a woman. He essentially reaffirmed the church’s traditional definition of marriage.
“It is the responsibility of government leaders to work to build harmonious and peaceful civil societies. This can be achieved above all by investing in the family, founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman,” Leo XIV said per Reuters.
The content and tone of his remarks were unapologetically firm, sending an unmistakable message. Unfortunately, Leo XIV intends to uphold orthodoxy on this issue. Observers note that this early statement set the tone for LGBTQIA+ relations under his leadership.
This stance is no departure from official Vatican policy — at least on paper. Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, never altered Catholic doctrine that defines marriage as between a man and a woman and considers homosexual acts “intrinsically disordered.” And while Francis cultivated a more welcoming tone toward LGBTQIA+ people, he upheld tradition. Leo XIV, by contrast, has shown little inclination to push that boundary further.
LGBTQIA+ advocates are slamming Leo XIV.
Leo XIV’s hard line on the definition of marriage has sparked outrage. For many secular LGBTQIA+ folks and advocates, the message was clear and disappointing. Some denounced the statement as a harsh reminder that the Vatican doctrine remains unmoved by the progress of LGBTQIA+ acceptance worldwide.
“Dangerous and hateful rhetoric against LGBTQIA+ people, who are already being threatened by the oligarchy-sponsored fascism in many countries, including in Europe and America. Unacceptable,” one person tweeted. While another wrote, “Why are people surprised? He’s the pope. Catholicism is incredibly homophobic. Honestly, a lot of religions are.”
Within the Church’s own LGBTQIA+ community, the reaction has been more nuanced. Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, did not hide his disappointment. “We pray that in the 13 years that have passed, 12 of which were under the papacy of Pope Francis, that his (Leo’s) heart and mind have developed more progressively on LGBTQIA+ issues,” DeBernardo said in a statement, per AP.
As Leo XIV’s tenure begins, the Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex marriages remains unchanged. However, Francis’s legacy of outreach raised expectations. Now, LGBTQIA+ Catholics are no longer voiceless in the pews.
Can LGBTQIA+ Catholics still find space in the Church, or has the Vatican made that impossible?
