An Italian Catholic bishop has openly spoken out in defence of LGBTQ+ rights, asserting that it is fundamentally “wrong” to deny individuals in same-sex relationships the right to love and sexual intimacy.
In a recent interview with DirittoDiCronaca.it, Bishop Francesco Savino emphasised that people in same-sex relationships deserve the opportunity to give and receive love, including on an intimate level. “They should not be denied the opportunity to be loved and to love, even on an intimate, sexual level,” he said. “Denying them this, denying them their right, I repeat, is simply wrong.”
As highlighted by The Catholic Herald, Bishop Savino, aged 70, further stated that the Church has a responsibility to “restore dignity to everyone, especially to those who have been denied it.”
A Longstanding Advocate
Bishop Francesco Savino has led the diocese of Cassano all’Jonio since 2015 and is widely known for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights within the Catholic community. Locally referred to as “Don Ciccio”, he was appointed by the late Pope Francis and has consistently voiced messages of inclusion.
Recently, he presided over a Mass at the Church of the Gesù in Rome, welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholic pilgrims participating in the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. During the service, Savino offered a message of unity and love, saying:
“We are all a pilgrim people of hope and we want to leave this celebration more joyful and hopeful than ever. We have to go forward, convinced that God loves us with a unique and unrepeatable love – unconditional love.”
Challenging Church Doctrine
Savino’s remarks appear to challenge traditional Catholic doctrine, which defines homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered” and maintains that such acts “under no circumstances can… be approved.” Church teaching encourages individuals with same-sex attraction to embrace a life of chastity.
Pope Leo XIV’s Position on LGBTQ+ Matters
Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis in May 2025, has previously expressed views regarded as unsupportive of LGBTQ+ rights. Though seen as a centrist and reformer closely aligned with Pope Francis, Leo – formerly Cardinal Prevost – criticised media portrayals of “homosexual lifestyles” and “alternative families” in 2012.
Since becoming pope, his position has been cautiously monitored. Recently, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, confirmed that same-sex blessings would continue. Speaking to an Italian journalist, Fernández stated: “I really don’t think so, the declaration will remain,” when asked if the Pope might reverse this stance.
The declaration, originally approved by Pope Francis, stresses that same-sex blessings are not to be equated with marriage.
