Pontiff Held Private Audience With Advocate Rev. James Martin
Pope Leo XIV gave his clearest indication yet that he intends to continue Pope Francis’ legacy of outreach to LGBTQ Catholics, meeting privately Monday with U.S. Jesuit priest and author the Reverend James Martin.
The 30-minute audience, held in the apostolic palace, was part of the new pontiff’s official schedule, which also included meetings with two cardinals and several bishops. Martin, who leads a ministry to LGBTQ Catholics and has often drawn criticism from conservative church members, said the pope confirmed his desire to welcome LGBTQ parishioners during the Church’s 2025 Holy Year.
Francis, who died earlier this year, made headlines in 2013 by refusing to condemn a gay priest and later allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. While he stopped short of altering the Church’s teaching that homosexual acts are “disordered,” his gestures of inclusion were seen as a turning point for the Vatican.
Leo, the first U.S.-born pope and a fellow Jesuit, has not previously addressed LGBTQ Catholics directly and has yet to comment on Francis’ controversial 2023 decree on same-sex blessings. His meeting with Martin, a longtime advocate and author of Building a Bridge, was interpreted by many as a symbolic endorsement of Francis’ pastoral approach.
“It was very consoling and very encouraging. I heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis about welcoming LGBTQ people.”, said Reverend James Martin after the meeting, according to Reuters.
Several LGBTQ Catholic groups are in Rome this week for a pilgrimage tied to the Holy Year, which is expected to draw more than 30 million visitors to the city. For the first time, the Vatican included one of its events on its official jubilee calendar, a move celebrated by advocates.
