Centuries of tradition met a moment of change as more than 1,000 LGBTQ Catholics and their families took part in a Holy Year pilgrimage through St. Peter’s Basilica on September 6, marking a Vatican first.

According to Fox News, the event, formally included in the Vatican’s official Jubilee calendar for 2025, highlighted both emotional expressions of faith and fresh controversy within Catholic circles about inclusivity and Church doctrine.

Marking a monumental shift, the pilgrimage was organized under the label “Pilgrimage of the Tenda di Gionata Association (Jonathan’s Tent) and other associations,” an official listing in the Vatican's Jubilee events for the first time. Inclusion in this prestigious calendar signified a measure of visibility that LGBTQ Catholic groups had never before received at this level of Vatican recognition.

Participants journeyed from countries including the United States, Italy, and Brazil to enter through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a traditionally sacred rite associated with spiritual renewal. Many wept at the moment of entry, overwhelmed by what they viewed as a long-overdue welcome.

Justin del Rosario, who participated in the march while holding a crucifix alongside his male partner, described the experience as nothing short of divine. “It just felt epic, like I was able to touch the hand of God,” he said, capturing the emotional gravity of the event for many attendees.

First-Ever Listing Draws Praise and Pushback

The decision to include the LGBTQ pilgrimage in the Vatican’s Jubilee calendar occurred during the early months of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had opened doors to such inclusion through more welcoming gestures, although Church doctrine remained unchanged throughout his tenure.

Pope Francis had previously permitted blessings for same-sex couples and uttered one of his most famous liberal statements in 2013 when he said, "Who am I to judge?" These decisions laid the groundwork that made this year’s pilgrimage possible, though challenges remain in harmonizing such actions with official Church teachings.

While Pope Leo XIV did not mention LGBTQ Catholics in his Jubilee audience speech, he did hold a private meeting with Jesuit Father James Martin, a known advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in the Church. According to Martin, the new pontiff echoed themes of openness and dignity, aligning with Pope Francis's approach.

Vatican Clarifies Role in Calendar Decision

Despite the significance perceived by many pilgrims, the Holy See stressed that adding the pilgrimage to the calendar did not mean official Vatican endorsement. Agnese Palmucci, a Vatican spokeswoman, clarified in a statement to Reuters that the decision was logistical in nature.

“They are not sponsored activities,” Palmucci explained. “Once it is ascertained that there is space, we insert the pilgrimage into the general calendar.” Her comment became critical for conservative critics who accused the Vatican of signaling doctrinal changes it has not officially made.

The event prompted wide-ranging reactions online. On the social media platform X, Pope Crave noted, “Yes, the Vatican’s first LGBTQ+ pilgrimage approved by Pope Francis a few months before his death is taking place this weekend under Pope Leo.”

Conservative Media Criticizes the Event

Views of the pilgrimage were not universally positive. Conservative commentators and traditionalists expressed strong disapproval, arguing that the event undermined long-held Catholic teachings regarding sexuality and moral doctrine.

Michael J. Matt, a Catholic commentator, posted on X: “F-- the Rules inside Saint Peter’s. The LGBT group La Tenda di Gionata makes its entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica today... this is the New Church. Behold the legacy of Pope Francis.” Such comments reflect a persistent divide within Catholicism over how, or even whether, to incorporate LGBTQ faithful more fully.

Despite the backlash, LGBTQ organizations such as DignityUSA and Outreach, as well as a transgender delegation from Rome, stood by their participation. The visibility achieved at such a central location of Catholic life was seen as deeply affirming, even if it remains symbolic within current Church policy.

Participants Reflect on a Milestone Moment

Andrea Mattei, carrying a rainbow cross during a prayer vigil at the Church of the Gesù in Rome the night before the procession, embodied both spiritual pride and societal defiance. The symbolism was not lost on fellow participants who viewed such acts as hopeful signs of progress.

For attendees like del Rosario, the grandeur of St. Peter's and the act of walking through the Holy Door held deeply sacred meaning. Yet many acknowledged that the Church still has far to go when it comes to full affirmation of LGBTQ Catholics within official teachings and doctrine.

Nonetheless, the pilgrimage served as a powerful moment in the evolving relationship between LGBTQ believers and their Church. It bridged centuries-old ritual with modern calls for spiritual belonging and human dignity.