Pope Leo XIV confirms intention to include LGBTQ parishioners in church

In Vatican City on September 1, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held a significant meeting with the Rev. James Martin, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church. The meeting lasted around 30 minutes and was aimed at confirming Leo's commitment to the inclusion of LGBTQ parishioners. This event occurred just before a planned Holy Year pilgrimage of LGBTQ+ Catholics, signaling a continuation of the welcoming approach pursued by Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis. Martin, who co-founded Outreach, a ministry advocating for LGBTQ acceptance, expressed that the conversations with the pope mirrored the inclusive message he received from Francis during his papacy. During their discussion, Leo praised Martin's ongoing work and expressed his desire to keep pushing for a more welcoming church. The gathering was made public by the Vatican, highlighting the importance of the message of inclusion that Leo aims to convey. It comes after Leo, previously known as the Rev. Robert Prevost, acknowledged his prior critical remarks regarding the 'homosexual lifestyle' from 2012, which raised concerns about his stance on LGBTQ inclusion. However, he reiterated that he does not wish exclusion based on personal choices and emphasizes openness for all individuals, aligning his views more closely with those of Pope Francis. The meeting and the upcoming pilgrimage, which is not officially endorsed by the Vatican but listed on its calendar, reflect a broader movement within the Catholic Church to reach out to marginalized communities. Martin remarked on the significant impact of this event and the pope's speech on inclusion, stating it was