Pope Leo XIV expressed his intention to continue the opening policy towards LGBT+ people initiated by Pope Francis, during a private audience in the Vatican with the priest James Martin.
The meeting, described by Martin as “very hot, receptive, friendly and calm,” took place on Monday and lasted about 30 minutes, he reported AFP.
According to the media, aforementioned by The daythe American priest, defender of the faithful homosexuals in the Catholic Church, stressed that the Pope “hopes to follow the idea of opening Pope Francis for LGBTQ people.”
Martin, who will participate in a pilgrimage of LGBT+ Catholics in Rome this Friday and Saturday as part of the 2025 jubilee, stressed that Leo XIV seeks to perpetuate Francisco’s inheritance, including the Sinodalitywhich implies “listening to everyone, including LGBTQ people.”
Although the authorization of blessings to same -sex couples of 2023 was not discussed, which generated conservative criticism, the Pope has not publicly addressed this issue since his election on May 8.
Pope Leo XIV assumes Francisco’s legacy: Will there be real reforms?
The Vatican officially confirmed the audience, without detailing its content. The pilgrimage, inscribed in the jubilee calendar, reflects the inclusive approach promoted by Francisco during his 12 years of pontificate, although the Catholic doctrine has not changed.
The position of Leo XIV could strengthen inclusion in the Church, but the lack of public statements on specific issues generates uncertainty about possible advances in doctrine.
According to The conversationFrancisco did not modify the official teaching that sacramental marriage is between a man and a woman, but allowed the blessing of homosexual couplesin a way that seemed to be an authorization of homosexual marriage.
