01/09/2025
The new Catholic Pope, Leo XIV, met with one of the most prominent advocates for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the Catholic Church on Monday, September 1, and revealed he intended to continue with his predecessor's legacy.
The Rev. Fr. James Martin, a New York-based Jesuit author and editor, said Pope Leo told him he intended to continue Pope Francis’ policy of LGBTQ acceptance in the church and encouraged him to keep up his advocacy.
Fr. James Martin shared a photo from their meeting taken by Vatican News and wrote: "Dear friends: I am deeply grateful for my audience at the Apostolic Palace with the Holy Father this morning.
"The message I received was that Pope Leo will be continuing with the same openness and welcome that Francis showed to LGBTQ people. I found Leo to be joyful, relaxed and serene. He is a joy to be with!"
Later, speaking to The Associated Press, Fr. Martin said: “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,.
“It was wonderful. It was very consoling and very encouraging and frankly a lot of fun.”
The meeting, which lasted about a half-hour, was officially announced by the Vatican in a sign that Leo wanted it made public.
The audience was significant because it showed a strong sign of continuity with Francis, who more than any of Leo’s predecessors worked to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ Catholics.
Martin is in Rome to lead a Jubilee pilgrimage for his LGBTQ ministry, Outreach.
