Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed a core teaching of the Catholic Church on Friday, stating that family is founded on the “stable union between a man and a woman.” This stance aligns with traditional Catholic doctrine.
However, some Chicago Catholics, including Katherine Abel, co-founder of Affirmed, a ministry welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals, expressed disappointment that Pope Leo has not continued Francis’ outreach to the gay community. Abel hopes that Pope Leo will eventually signal greater acceptance of the gay community.
In contrast, Rick Garcia, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, believes that Pope Francis and future popes may adopt a more inclusive approach, focusing on the inherent dignity of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.
While Pope Leo’s remarks do not explicitly address the issue of same-sex marriage, his emphasis on respecting the dignity of every person aligns with some progressive views. The Rev. Michael Pfleger, a pastor at Saint Sabina Church, expects Pope Leo to continue Francis’ efforts to reach out to marginalized communities but acknowledges that traditional teachings on abortion and euthanasia may not change.
It’s worth noting that Pope Francis did not alter the church’s stance on gay marriage during his papacy, instead emphasizing treating people with dignity and respect. The question remains whether future popes will follow suit.
Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/religion/2025/05/16/chicago-catholics-pope-leo-xiv-marriage-lgbtq