The installation process for Pope Leo hasn’t even begun yet, and the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, is already under fire. A video surfaced that raised concerns about his position on LGBTQ+ rights.
This video claims to show the pope willfully disregarding a pride flag raised by a guest at a recent public gathering. Despite being brief, the incident has generated international discussion. It has also rekindled the interest in the pontiff’s long-held beliefs about inclusivity and sexuality.
Pope Leo XIV had made his conservative stance on LGBTQ+ matters clear. This was even before he was elected pope. He attacked attempts to redefine marriage outside of conventional Christian norms.
He also denounced what he called the “homosexual lifestyle” in a 2012 speech to the world synod of bishops. His comments suggested a dislike of changing social and cultural conceptions of identity and family. However, many have called these views extremely regressive.
Pope Leo has also publicly criticized the representation of LGBTQ+ couples in Western media. He has specifically criticized well-known television shows that support “alternative families.” He believes these shows contradict conventional Christian beliefs.
Pope Leo the XIV was critical of Western media’s portrayal of the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”
He viewed these representations as being at odds with the Gospel. pic.twitter.com/r1y8Djp7UC
— Trad West (@trad_west_) May 8, 2025
He cautioned that these representations confuse the faithful. And promote pervert moral principles. He also called out the Western media as a tool for cultural deterioration.
Pope Leo XIV’s speech drastically differs from that of Pope Francis. His predecessor was well-known for his gentler, more accepting messages. He even said, “Who am I to judge?” in reference to LGBT people who are looking for God.
Now, the Church finds itself at a crossroads. The question everyone is asking is whether, when Pope Leo XIV takes office, he will continue the work of Pope Francis. Will he honor the legacy of Pope Francis, who worked to make the Catholic Church more relevant and inclusive in the multicultural world of today? Or will he go back to a more conventional, dictatorial approach? Will he again alienate and exclude LGBTQ+ communities?
The Pope needs to disavow & correct his homophobic statements from the 2000s.
Francis was a beacon of hope for Queer people under threat. He offered them love, validation and protection.
Today Pope Leo pledged to continue on Francis’ path.
He needs to show us he means it pic.twitter.com/RAosuKnkda
— Mike Gerald Gibbs🏳️🌈🍁 🇺🇦 (He/Him) (@Mikeggibbs) May 11, 2025
After the revelation of Pope Leo in 2012, there have been calls for transparency. Both sides of the aisle want to know where their religious leader stands. The Vatican is being urged by advocacy organizations like DignityUSA and New Ways Ministry. They want the Pope to make his stance clear. They stress how crucial his leadership is in preserving a compassionate legacy or running the risk of regressing in terms of inclusivity.
The world will keep a watchful eye on the Church while it seeks further direction. In addition to influencing Vatican policy, Pope Leo XIV’s next actions will have an impact on the spiritual lives of millions of LGBTQ+ Catholics, too. These people who have been looking for acceptance and validation inside their religion would want to know the answer too.
