TRENDING: Pope Leo XIV Finally Reveals His Stance on LGBTQ, Pride Month: “They Will Never Be…” See More

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in 1955, was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American pontiff. A member of the Augustinian Order with extensive missionary experience in Peru, his papacy follows that of Pope Francis, whose progressive reforms and pastoral approach have shaped recent Church discourse. To assess Leo XIV’s likely stance on LGBTQ issues and Pride Month, we must consider his theological background, public statements, and the broader context of Catholic teaching, while acknowledging the historical and cultural differences between his era and modern LGBTQ advocacy.

Pope Leo XIV’s formation as an Augustinian and his career reflect a commitment to service, humility, and dialogue, rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine, who emphasized love, community, and fidelity to the Gospel. Catholic doctrine, which Leo XIV upholds, views marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman, oriented toward procreation, and considers same-sex acts as contrary to natural law. However, Leo’s alignment with Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy and inclusion suggests a nuanced approach. His support for Francis’ 2023 declaration allowing blessings for same-sex couples in “irregular situations,” with the caveat that bishops interpret these directives contextually, indicates a willingness to engage pastorally while maintaining doctrinal boundaries.

Leo XIV’s choice of name, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who modernized Catholic social teaching, signals an intent to address contemporary challenges thoughtfully. His Augustinian ethos, which prioritizes love and service, may shape his response to LGBTQ issues, focusing on the dignity of individuals while adhering to traditional teachings. His inaugural Mass emphasized rejecting hatred and division, suggesting a pastoral tone that avoids confrontation.

While specific statements from Leo XIV on LGBTQ issues are limited, available evidence suggests he holds to orthodox Catholic positions. Posts on X indicate that he does not support same-sex marriage, adoption by gay couples, or the blessing of same-sex unions, viewing these as inconsistent with the Gospel. In a reported incident, Leo XIV calmly turned away from a rainbow flag in a crowd, signaling a reserved but respectful stance rather than open endorsement of Pride symbols. His criticism of Western media’s portrayal of the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families” further aligns him with traditional Catholic moral theology, which prioritizes the family structure as defined by the Church.

However, Leo XIV’s broader rhetoric emphasizes dialogue and building bridges. In his first address, he called for a “missionary Church” that fosters charity and openness, reflecting Pope Francis’ focus on accompanying individuals rather than condemning them. His support for Francis’ initiatives, such as including women in the Dicastery for Bishops and promoting interreligious dialogue, suggests an openness to engaging with diverse perspectives, which could extend to pastoral care for LGBTQ individuals.

Pride Month, as a modern celebration of LGBTQ identities, would likely present a complex challenge for Pope Leo XIV. His commitment to ecumenism and dialogue, as seen in his meetings with non-Catholic delegations, indicates a willingness to engage with societal issues. However, his orthodox leanings suggest he would view Pride’s public affirmations of same-sex relationships as conflicting with Church teaching. His reported stance against blessing gay unions and his critique of media portrayals of alternative families imply a reluctance to endorse Pride Month’s celebratory aspects.

Yet, Leo XIV’s pastoral approach, rooted in Augustinian values, would likely emphasize compassion over confrontation. His inaugural Mass called for healing societal wounds and rejected an “economic paradigm that marginalizes the poorest,” indicating a concern for the marginalized that could include LGBTQ individuals, even if he does not affirm their lifestyles. He might encourage Catholics to approach Pride Month with charity, focusing on the dignity of individuals rather than endorsing the event itself.

As a 69-year-old American with Peruvian citizenship, Leo XIV bridges Western and Latin American perspectives. His decades in Peru, working with marginalized communities, likely inform a sensitivity to social exclusion, which could translate into empathy for LGBTQ individuals facing discrimination.

However, his formation in a pre-Vatican II and post-Vatican II Church, combined with his Augustinian spirituality, anchors him in traditional doctrine. Unlike Pope Francis, who occasionally used inclusive language toward LGBTQ persons, Leo XIV’s public record suggests a firmer adherence to orthodoxy, tempered by a call for dialogue.

The cultural gap between his formative years and the modern LGBTQ movement must also be considered. While Francis navigated these issues in a globalized context, Leo XIV’s early ministry in Peru and his Chicago roots predate widespread LGBTQ advocacy. His approach may reflect a cautious engagement with modernity, balancing fidelity to doctrine with a pastoral heart.

Pope Leo XIV’s likely stance on LGBTQ issues and Pride Month would align with traditional Catholic teachings, opposing same-sex marriage, adoption, and union blessings while critiquing secular celebrations of alternative lifestyles.

However, his Augustinian emphasis on love, service, and dialogue suggests he would advocate for pastoral care and respect for LGBTQ individuals, encouraging Catholics to engage with charity rather than judgment. His call for a missionary Church that builds bridges indicates a desire to address contemporary issues thoughtfully, but his orthodox leanings and reserved response to Pride symbols suggest he would not endorse Pride Month’s public expressions.

As the first American pope, Leo XIV’s papacy will likely navigate these issues with a blend of doctrinal fidelity and pastoral sensitivity, continuing Francis’ legacy while grounding it in Augustinian principles.