The Vatican is signalling both openness and limitations in its outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics under Pope Leo XIV, following the more welcoming approach of his predecessor, Pope Francis. A recent report from a Vatican working group included the testimony of two gay, married Catholics who spoke about the harm caused by the Church's negative teaching on homosexuality, a move cheered by LGBTQ+ advocates.
During a news conference, Pope Leo indicated that the Church's teachings on social justice, equality, and freedom are more important than those on sexual morality, suggesting he will not prioritise the latter. However, he also made clear he will not go further than Francis on same-sex blessings, and the Vatican has renewed its opposition to local deviations from its stance.
The Rev. James Martin, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ outreach, described the developments as a strong continuity with Francis. He noted that the Church's willingness to listen to LGBTQ+ Catholics represents significant progress. However, conservatives have criticised the signals, reiterating the official teaching that homosexual activity is 'intrinsically disordered'.
The working group report, which has no binding value, summarises expert discussions on controversial topics. It includes annexes with moving accounts from two men: one from Portugal who struggled with his faith due to insensitive remarks and 'conversion therapy', and an American who criticised similar therapy and counselling from the Catholic group Courage. Courage denied involvement in 'reparative therapy' and condemned the negative depiction in the Vatican document.
The issue is particularly acute in Germany, where Catholic bishops have issued guidelines for same-sex blessings that go beyond the Vatican's 2023 declaration, 'Fiducia Supplicans', which allowed non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples provided they are not confused with marriage. The Vatican's stance remains that marriage is between a man and a woman.
