QUOTE TO NOTE: Pope Leo On Welcoming All and Being Non-Judgmental

Many commentators have observed that Pope Leo XIV has not made many statements regarding LGBTQ+ issues since his installation as pope in May.  Father James Martin, SJ, an advocate for LGBTQ+ people in the church, reported that after meeting with the new pope on September 1, the priest was assured that Leo would continue the late Pope Francis’ message of welcome.  And a few weeks ago, the pope echoed Francis’ welcome in his interview with Elise Allen of Crux, the first interview of his pontificate.

Pope Leo addressing Rome’s Diocesan Assembly in the Cathedral of St. John Lateran.

Leo’s message of welcome was on full display in mid-September, when he addressed the Diocesan Assembly of Rome gathered in the Cathedral-Basilica of St John Lateran, on the other side of the Tiber River from the Vatican.  One of any pope’s primary titles is Bishop of Rome, so he addressed the local church leaders as the head of that diocese.  An article in Vatican News entitled:”Pope invites Rome Diocese to promote pastoral ministry that welcomes all” reported that Leo elaborated on what he means by welcoming all.  Though he did not mention LGBTQ+ people, it can be easily assumed that since he wants the church to welcome everyone that his pastoral mesages could be applied to everyone.  Here’s part of what he said:

“It is urgent to establish a pastoral ministry that is supportive, empathetic, discreet, non-judgmental, and able to welcome everyone. . . .We must not be content with repeating the same things as always, but offer a new apprenticeship in the faith, one that introduces people to Christian life, accompanies the stages of life, and weaves meaningful human relationships. . . It is urgent to establish a pastoral ministry that is supportive, empathetic, discreet, non-judgmental, and able to welcome everyone.”

At one point, he did address the special needs of families and of youth, and his message to them, if applied to everyone, could be good news for LGBTQ+ pastoral care. He said that the church’s approach to families should be as “becoming companions on the journey and offering tools for the search for God.” And as for ministry with youth, he said: “A ministry capable of listening without judgment can provide young people with the guidance they seek and offer them a home in the community of faith.”

He also acknowledged ““We cannot be specialists in everything, but we must reflect on these realities, listening to the many competencies our city can offer.”

In concluding, he referred to the gospel passage for the meeting which was Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well, in John 4.  He told the church leaders they should work in a spirit of synodality and mission, “We too must run towards our brothers and sisters, leaving behind our jars, and bringing instead the water that quenches thirst forever.”

This speech is as comprehensive a statement of Leo’s pastoral approach as I have yet to see.  It is strikingly similar to Pope Francis’ message.  Francis offered these messages directly to LGBTQ+ people.  Leo did not do so, but the strength of these words as a blanket statement of pastoral care would be greatly weakened if he did not intend them to also refer to LGBTQ+ folks.  Phrases like “supportive, empathetic, discreet, non-judgmental,” “We must not be content with repeating the same things as always,” “establish a pastoral ministry that is supportive, empathetic, discreet, non-judgmental, and able to welcome everyone,” and “listening without judgment” should be a blueprint for LGBTQ+ ministry.

—Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry, October 11, 2025