What does the pope say about gay people

What’s the context?

Some LGBTQ+ Catholics are "disappointed" by the new pontiff's past comments on homosexuality

LONDON - The world was watching as Pope Leo XIV delivered his first mass on Sunday, days after becoming the first American elected pope.

Robert Francis Prevost has used his initial days as leader of the Catholic world to contact for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of imprisoned journalists.

LGBTQ+ rights groups are now waiting to see if he will follow in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, who met with trans women, urged the Catholic Church to try forgiveness from gay people and allowed priests to bless same-sex couples.

Leo has not discussed LGBTQ+ issues since his election, but previous comments he made about homosexuality have "disappointed" members of the Diverse faithful.

Here's everything you require to know.

What is Francis' legacy on trans rights?

Francis, who died on April 21, was seen as more accepting of Homosexual rights than previous popes, including his predecessor Benedict, who viewed gay marriage as a threat to t

Seven Quotes That Build Pope Francis Complicated for LGBTQ+ People

Francis' tenure as pope has also been notable by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer (LGBTQ+) people for his adoption of a more conciliatory tone toward LGBTQ+ people than that of his predecessors. "But anyone who utters Christian words without putting them into practice hurts oneself and others," said Pope Francis in

So where does Pope Francis stand on LGBTQ+ people?

ON INCLUSION

[07/]
"If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them?"

Let's start off with one of the most pivotal moments in Francis' papacy for LGBTQ+ people. When asked about gay priests during a spontaneous exchange with the press, he responded, "If they [gay priests] accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to determine them? They shouldn't be marginalized. The tendency [same-sex attraction] is not the problem they're our brothers."¹

The fact that Pope Francis made such a comment – and used the word "gay" in English – was radical, and helped propel significant conversations in parishes and dioce

Pope Francis allows blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions

The Vatican has approved a landmark judgment to allow Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor given in contexts related to civil unions or weddings.

A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office approved by Pope Francis on Monday said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.

Pope slams ‘indifference’ towards migrants arriving in Europe by sea

list 2 of 4

Pope opens Vatican meeting amid tensions with conservatives

list 3 of 4

‘Terrorism’: Israel-Hamas conflict has gone ‘beyond war’ says Pope Francis

list 4 of 4

Pope Francis cancels trip to Dubai’s COP28 over health issues

end of list

The document backed “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the similar sex” but “this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not ev

‘We are all children of God’: Pope says homosexuality not a crime

Pope Francis has criticised laws that criminalise homosexuality as “unjust”, saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis said during an interview on Tuesday with The Connected Press.

Body of prominent Kenyan LGBTQ activist initiate in metal box