Vatican City (AP) — Pope Leo XIV voiced critical opinions regarding what he termed the “gay lifestyle” and highlighted the role of mass media in fostering acceptance of same-sex relationships that diverge from Catholic teachings.
Reports on these remarks from 2012 surfaced on Thursday, following the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost to succeed Pope Francis, who is now known as Leo XIV.
The commentary was deemed “disappointing” by Francis DeBernardo of New Ways, a US-based organization advocating for greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics within the church.
“We hope that in the 13 years since, there has been progress, and that Pope Leo XIV’s mind and heart are evolving more positively regarding LGBTQ+ matters. We will observe the upcoming meetings to see if any changes have taken place,” DeBernardo stated.
a 2012 Video The news division of the US Bishops’ Conference, shared with the Catholic News Service, showcased Prevost’s address at the Bishops’ World Conference alongside clips from popular television shows and films.
“Western mass media effectively promotes general sympathy for various issues, including homosexual lifestyles, euthanasia, and other beliefs that contradict the gospel,” Prevost stated.
He specifically pointed out how “same-sex partners and their adopted children, along with alternative family structures, are portrayed in a positive and empathetic light on television shows and in movies.”
Upon becoming a Cardinal in 2023, he was asked by the Catholic News Service if his views had shifted. He acknowledged Pope Francis‘s pursuit of a more inclusive church, noting that the Pope has made it clear he does not wish to exclude individuals based on their lifestyle choices, professions, or appearances.
However, he stressed that doctrine remains unchanged alongside Francis’s leadership. “People have yet to express a desire for change,” Prevost mentioned. “But we are advocating for a more welcoming and open environment where everyone feels accepted in the church.”
In his inaugural statement as Pope on Thursday evening, Leo discussed the importance of building bridges and expressing God’s love for everyone.
Rev. James Martin, the American Jesuit who initiated the Ministry of LGBTQ+ Outreach, emphasized that such inclusiveness and welcoming gestures are crucial, calling Cardinal Prevost’s selection “brilliant.”
“He is humble, reserved, open, and trustworthy. His extensive experience in Peru, coupled with his compassion for the underprivileged and his time at the Vatican, makes him exceptional. I seldom meet individuals who genuinely embody humility like him, which has reinforced my respect for him,” Martin remarked.
Pope Francis has gradually communicated more than his predecessors through actions, formal declarations, and occasional informal remarks aimed at making the church a more welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Nonetheless, he upholds the same foundational doctrine concerning LGBTQ+ issues that he inherited, asserting that the Catholic Church continues to refuse to sanction same-sex marriages and labels sexual relations between same-sex partners as “intrinsically disordered.”
The US-based LGBTQ advocacy organization Glaad has urged the new Pope to “advance the progress” made by his predecessor.
“The Roman Catholic Church stands at the cusp of an inspiring new chapter. Pope Leo XIV’s leadership presents an extraordinary chance to uplift billions worldwide and embrace LGBTQ individuals with greater compassion, dignity, and love.”
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Clary reported from New York, Barry from Sauve, Italy, with contributions from Nicole Winfield.
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Associated Press Religious Reporting is funded through the Associated Press collaboration with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., with the AP solely responsible for the content.
Source: apnews.com