Pope Leo XIV met privately with American Jesuit priest Rev. James Martin on Monday in a moment many view as a key signal of continuity in the Catholic Church’s evolving relationship with LGBTQ+ Catholics.

According to Breitbart, during their 30-minute meeting, Pope Leo voiced support for Martin’s LGBTQ+ ministry and aligned himself with the inclusive outlook pioneered by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

The Vatican formally confirmed the meeting, which took place in Rome, describing it as part of Pope Leo’s broader efforts to foster a Church that embraces all believers. This marked the first known papal engagement with LGBTQ+ ministry since Francis stepped down earlier in 2025.

Rev. Martin is known for his advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues within the Catholic Church and for founding Outreach, a ministry that encourages more open dialogue on LGBTQ+ inclusion in Catholic life. His previous collaborations with Pope Francis included advising the Vatican’s communications efforts and participating in a global synod discussing the Church’s future direction.

Martin described the meeting with Pope Leo as encouraging and meaningful. “It was wonderful,” he said, later adding that the conversation was not only “consoling” and “encouraging” but “frankly a lot of fun.”

Pope Looks to Continue Francis’ Legacy

This meeting is the strongest indication to date that Pope Leo intends to maintain the tone of openness endorsed by Pope Francis, who led the Church from 2013 to early 2025. Although Francis advanced LGBTQ+ conversations within Catholicism, he did not alter long-standing doctrinal positions.

Among Pope Francis’ contributions were multiple audiences with Rev. Martin, approval for blessing same-sex couples, and appointments of LGBTQ+ advocates to Vatican posts and Church assemblies. These steps were often seen as symbolic gestures aiming to bridge growing cultural divides within global Catholicism.

During Monday’s discussion, Pope Leo encouraged Martin to continue his outreach work and emphasized that inclusion would remain part of his leadership. Echoing a favorite phrase of Pope Francis, Leo stated the Church is for “todos, todos, todos”—which translates as “everyone.”

Past Remarks Once Cast Uncertainty

Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, the former Rev. Robert Prevost made a statement in 2012 that caused concern among LGBTQ+ advocates. He had criticized what he then described as the “homosexual lifestyle” and media depictions that normalize same-sex relationships.

However, in 2023, upon being elevated to cardinal, Prevost clarified his broader perspective by saying, “We are looking to be more welcoming... and to say all people are welcome in the church.” He also stressed at that time that despite increasing outreach, the Church’s doctrine had not changed.

Martin, who worked alongside Prevost in the Church’s multi-year synod, later said he witnessed a thoughtful and compassionate side of the new pope. “A very open, welcoming, inclusive person,” he said, describing his view of Pope Leo.

Holy Year Pilgrimage Reinforces Inclusive Message

This week’s meeting coincides with a Holy Year pilgrimage for LGBTQ+ Catholics in Rome, organized by the Italian Catholic group “Jonathan’s Tent.” Rev. Martin and Outreach will participate in the two-day event beginning Friday.

Though not officially sponsored by the Vatican, the pilgrimage appears in the official Holy Year event calendar. Vatican authorities emphasized that its inclusion was made for logistical clarity, not as a formal endorsement.

The event will feature a special Mass at a Jesuit church in Rome, celebrated by the deputy head of the Italian bishops’ conference. This public liturgy is seen by many as a symbolic gesture of welcome for LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Focus on Unity in a Fractured World

Pope Leo also discussed his commitment to unity and peace during his talk with Martin, referencing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. He portrayed these issues as priorities alongside internal Church reforms.

Martin, reflecting on both the meeting and the pilgrimage, said the themes from Pope Francis’ papacy are clearly present in Leo’s approach. “If people were happy with Pope Francis’s approach to LGBTQ Catholics, they’re going to be happy with Pope Leo’s approach,” Martin stated.

Ultimately, Martin came away with the sense that Leo’s papacy aims to extend—not reverse—the spirit of openness introduced by Francis. “This is a continuation,” he said. “That Jesus reaches out to people on the margins.”