Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis, but past comments have raised concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates.
Now known as Pope Leo XIV, Prevost becomes the first American to hold the papacy. The 69-year-old was born in Chicago and also holds Peruvian citizenship. He was elected on Thursday, 8 May, following a two-day conclave and is considered a centrist reformer with close ties to the late Pope Francis.
While Prevost does not have an extensive record on LGBTQ+ issues, The New York Times reported that in 2012 he criticised entertainment media for showing “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,” specifically referencing the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”
A Critical Moment for the Catholic Church
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Catholic Church, which remains divided over the extent to which it should embrace LGBTQ+ inclusion. Under Pope Francis, the Church adopted a more pastoral tone while still maintaining its conservative theological stance on sexuality and gender.
Pope Francis, who passed away in April at the age of 88, frequently engaged with LGBTQ+ Catholics and their advocates. He made headlines for calling the criminalisation of homosexuality “wrong” and saying that “being gay is not a crime.” He also condemned Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, declaring, “Discrimination is a sin, and violence against the LGBTIQ communities is unacceptable.”
Though he opposed marriage equality and “gender ideology,” Francis encouraged compassion and inclusion, urging parents to love and accept their LGBTQ+ children.
Calls for Progress and Inclusion
Reacting to Pope Leo XIV’s election, GLAAD president and CEO Kate Ellis called on the new pope to continue building on the progress made during Pope Francis’s tenure.
“The Roman Catholic Church stands on the threshold of a hopeful and inclusive new chapter. With Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, there is an extraordinary opportunity to inspire billions around the world and further embrace LGBTQ people with compassion, dignity, and love,” she said.
“He can build on the progress already made and help create a Church that truly reflects the universal message of acceptance and care for all. We are hopeful to collaborate with Pope Leo, just as we did with Pope Francis, to help ensure the Church continues to grow as a welcoming home for everyone.”
Addressing crowds in St Peter’s Square following his election, Pope Leo XIV offered a message of unity:
“I would like this greeting of peace to reach all your hearts and families… and people around the world. May peace be with you.”
LGBTQ+ Catholics and allies around the world are now watching closely to see whether this call for peace will extend to them, and whether Pope Leo XIV will continue the journey towards inclusion or uphold a more traditional doctrine.
 has been elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Past anti-LGBTQ+ comments raise concerns as LGBTQ+ advocates call for continued inclusion.){kind=link}