Pope Leo XIV Meets Prominent LGBTQ+ Catholic Advocate, Vows to Uphold Pope Francis’ Legacy of Inclusion
In a heartfelt audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV extended a warm welcome to Rev. James Martin, a leading voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church. The pontiff reaffirmed his commitment to continuing Pope Francis’ groundbreaking approach to welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals, signaling a promising path forward just days before a major Holy Year pilgrimage. This encounter, announced publicly by the Vatican, offers hope to millions of Catholics worldwide seeking greater acceptance within their faith.
The Meeting: A Half-Hour of Encouragement and Dialogue
Pope Leo XIV hosted Rev. James Martin, a New York-based Jesuit priest, author, and editor, for a private audience on September 1, 2025. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes and focused on Martin’s ministry promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance. Martin shared that the pope explicitly encouraged him to persist in his advocacy work.
“I heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis, which is the desire to welcome all people, including LGBTQ people,” Martin told the Associated Press after the session. He described the interaction as “wonderful,” “consoling,” “encouraging,” and even “a lot of fun.” The Vatican’s official announcement of the meeting underscores its intentional visibility, aiming to project an image of openness.
Background on Rev. James Martin
Rev. James Martin serves as an editor at America Magazine and founded Outreach, a ministry dedicated to LGBTQ+ Catholics. He has authored books like “Building a Bridge,” which calls for dialogue between the Church and the LGBTQ+ community. Martin has long advocated for pastoral care without altering core doctrines, emphasizing compassion over judgment.
Pope Francis’ Legacy: A Foundation of Welcome
Pope Francis, who led the Church from 2013 to 2025, revolutionized attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals with his famous 2013 remark, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay priests. He approved blessings for same-sex couples in 2023, though he maintained traditional teachings that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered.” Francis met with Martin multiple times, appointing him as a Vatican communications adviser and including him in the Synod on Synodality, a multi-year discussion on the Church’s future.
This legacy of pastoral outreach, rather than doctrinal overhaul, has inspired global movements for inclusion. Pope Leo XIV’s vow to continue this path addresses early uncertainties about his stance, especially after 2012 remarks resurfaced where he, then Rev. Robert Prevost, critiqued the “homosexual lifestyle” and media influences on same-sex acceptance.
Key Details and Verified Facts
The audience occurred amid preparations for the 2025 Holy Year, a Jubilee period of pilgrimage and forgiveness in the Catholic calendar. Notably, an LGBTQ+ Catholic group called “Jonathan’s Tent” plans a pilgrimage of about 1,200 participants to Rome on September 5-6, 2025. This event includes a Mass at a Jesuit church in Rome, celebrated by a high-ranking Italian bishop, and passage through St. Peter’s Holy Door.
Vatican officials clarified that listing such pilgrimages on their site provides logistical support, not formal endorsement. However, the timing of Pope Leo’s meeting with Martin amplifies its symbolic weight. As the first U.S.-born pope, elected in May 2025, Leo has prioritized peace and unity, referencing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar during the discussion. He echoed Francis’ Spanish phrase “todos, todos, todos” (everyone, everyone, everyone) to emphasize the Church’s openness.
Pope Leo also affirmed ongoing support for same-sex couple blessings on a case-by-case basis, aligning with Francis’ 2023 declaration, while upholding marriage as between a man and a woman.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Rev. James Martin emerged as the primary voice praising the meeting. “If people were happy with Pope Francis’ approach to LGBTQ Catholics, they’re going to be happy with Pope Leo’s approach,” he said, noting the pope’s direct encouragement to continue his work.
Public reactions, particularly in the U.S., reflect optimism. Interviews with Catholics in places like Boston show enthusiasm for potential modernization, including greater respect for diversity and even hopes for women priests, though Leo has not indicated support for the latter. One woman leaving Mass expressed, “I’m really hopeful that the Pope is able to help bring Catholics home.” Another added, “I think he’s going to continue with Pope Francis’s papacy and the modernization of the Church.”
LGBTQ+ advocates view this as a positive step, though some remain cautious given Leo’s past comments. Organizations like We Are Church, which pushes for reforms such as ending exclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, see it as continuity with Francis’ progressive leanings. Broader Catholic commentators note that while doctrine remains unchanged, the emphasis on welcome could reduce marginalization.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Politics, Lifestyle, and Faith
For American Catholics, who number over 70 million, this development carries significant weight in a politically polarized landscape. The U.S. has seen heated debates over LGBTQ+ rights, from marriage equality to anti-discrimination laws. Pope Leo’s affirmation as the first American pope could bridge cultural divides, encouraging dialogue in a nation where Catholic voters influence elections on social issues.
Lifestyle-wise, it reassures LGBTQ+ Catholics and allies that their faith community prioritizes inclusion, potentially fostering mental health and community support amid rising hate crimes. Politically, it contrasts with conservative U.S. factions critical of Francis, possibly easing tensions in parishes and influencing policy discussions on religious freedom.
In terms of broader societal impact, this continuity promotes unity in a diverse Church, aligning with American values of pluralism while upholding traditional teachings. It may inspire U.S. dioceses to expand outreach programs, affecting everything from youth ministry to interfaith relations.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope for the Church’s Future
Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with Rev. James Martin marks a deliberate step toward sustaining Pope Francis’ legacy of radical welcome for LGBTQ+ Catholics, even as core doctrines endure. This gesture, timed with the Holy Year pilgrimage, reassures advocates and signals that the Vatican under Leo will prioritize compassion and outreach. As the Church navigates global challenges, this continuity could strengthen its relevance for younger, diverse generations. Looking ahead, observers anticipate further actions during the Jubilee year that may deepen inclusion efforts, fostering a more unified and empathetic Catholic world.