With the announcement of Pope Francis’ death, many are reflecting on his legacy, especially his unprecedented engagement with LGBTQ+ Catholics.
In a historic shift, Francis’ 12-year leadership of the Roman Catholic Church has seen a marked departure from the often harsh rhetoric of past papacies. His now-famous remark, “Who am I to judge?”—spoken in response to a journalist’s question about gay priests—resonated around the world, signalling a profound shift in tone from the Vatican.
Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Francis regularly acknowledged LGBTQ+ individuals with respect, adopting our own terminology—”gay,” “transgender,” and “LGBT”—instead of the cold, clinical vocabulary previously favoured in official documents. Although there were moments where his language missed the mark, his overall effort to speak inclusively was significant.
His willingness to meet with LGBTQ+ people and the visibility of these encounters have fostered a sense of belonging for many queer Catholics.
Pope Francis’ contributions were not limited to symbolic gestures. He was the first Pontiff to call for the decriminalisation of homosexuality globally. His directive allowing priests to bless same-sex couples offered hope to many, particularly the families of LGBTQ+ Catholics.
He also declared that transgender individuals could be baptised and serve as godparents, regardless of their transition status. He stepped in to protect Catholic schools that supported LGBTQ+ students and staff, and made space for LGBTQ+ discussions in the Church’s Synods of 2023 and 2024.
Yet, significant contradictions remain. Official Church teachings still describe homosexuality as an “objective disorder” and same-sex relations as “intrinsically evil.” A recent Vatican document, Dignitas Infinita, even grouped transgender identity alongside global tragedies like war and sexual abuse. These teachings continue to fuel discrimination and hinder access to pastoral care, deepening pain and alienation for many.
This ongoing theological resistance leaves a bittersweet note to an otherwise groundbreaking era.
With Francis now gone, attention now turns to his successor. While fears linger that a more conservative Pope may undo this progress, Francis has appointed over 75% of the Cardinals eligible to elect the next Pontiff. This gives hope that the Church might continue down a path of inclusion, prioritising compassion and human dignity over rigid doctrine.
In a world increasingly challenged by nationalism, climate change, and migration crises, the Catholic Church’s moral authority remains vital. LGBTQ+ people, once sidelined and silenced, have found a place in its ongoing narrative thanks to Francis’ bold vision.
His legacy is one of visibility, dialogue, and incremental change—a foundation upon which the next leader must build.
