LGBTQ2S+ Catholics Celebrate Acceptance in Historic Rome Pilgrimage

VATICAN CITY — On Saturday, hundreds of LGBTQ2S+ Catholics and their families gathered in Rome for a significant Holy Year pilgrimage, marking a new era of acceptance within the Catholic Church. This gathering is seen as a pivotal moment for the community, many of whom have long felt marginalized. Pilgrims credited Pope Francis with fostering this sense of welcome.

Bishop Franceseco Savino, vice president of the Italian bishops conference, celebrated Mass at the packed Chiesa del Gesu, the main Jesuit church in Rome. During his homily, he received a standing ovation when he reminded attendees that Jubilee years are traditionally a time for forgiveness and restoration. “The Jubilee was the time to free the oppressed and restore dignity to those who had been denied it,” he stated. His remarks resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for inclusivity within the Church.

The pilgrimage was officially listed in the Vatican’s calendar of events, although organizers clarified that this does not imply an endorsement from the Church. The main organizing body, the Italian LGBTQ2S+ advocacy group Jonathan’s Tent, collaborated with Outreach, a U.S. organization founded by the Rev. James Martin. Martin has been a prominent advocate for greater acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ individuals within the Church.

During the pilgrimage, Pope Francis held a special Jubilee audience for all pilgrim groups in Rome. However, he did not specifically mention the LGBTQ2S+ Catholics, who were scheduled to walk through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica later that day.

A Legacy of Change
Many participants attributed their renewed sense of belonging to the leadership of Pope Francis. Since his papacy began in 2013, he has made strides to create a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ2S+ individuals. His famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” regarding a gay priest, and his allowance for priests to bless same-sex couples are just two examples of his approach.

Although he has not altered the Church’s official teaching regarding homosexuality, Pope Francis has consistently engaged with LGBTQ2S+ advocates and emphasized the importance of inclusion. In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, he stated, “being homosexual is not a crime,” reflecting a significant shift in tone.

John Capozzi from Washington D.C. participated in the pilgrimage with his husband, Justin del Rosario. Capozzi expressed that Francis’ welcoming attitude encouraged him to return to the Church after feeling alienated during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. “I was a closeted Catholic,” he shared. “With Pope Francis, I was able to come out and say, ‘Hey, I am Catholic and I’m proud of it.’”

A Message of Hope
The spiritual journey culminated in a standing-room-only vigil service at the Jesuit church, where attendees shared personal testimonies. The Rev. Fausto Focosi delivered a poignant reflection, acknowledging the past pain of rejection and celebrating the new hope present within the community. “Today, these tears are tears of hope,” he said, emphasizing a future of acceptance.

Pope Francis’ successor, Pope Leo XIV, has also faced scrutiny regarding his views on LGBTQ2S+ Catholics. Following his election in May, comments from 2012 surfaced in which he criticized the “homosexual lifestyle.” However, during a meeting with Rev. Martin, he conveyed his intent to uphold Francis’ legacy of inclusivity. Martin reported, “I heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis, which is the desire to welcome all people, including LGBTQ people.”

Bishop Savino confirmed that he received Leo’s blessing to celebrate the Mass for the LGBTQ2S+ pilgrims, signaling a continuation of the Church’s evolving stance.

Del Rosario echoed Capozzi’s sentiments, expressing his newfound sense of belonging. “Pope Francis influenced me to return to church. Pope Leo only strengthened my faith,” he remarked.

As the pilgrimage concluded, many left with a renewed sense of hope and dignity, reflecting a transformative moment in the Catholic Church’s relationship with LGBTQ2S+ individuals. This event not only marked a celebration of faith but also a significant step towards broader acceptance within a historically rigid institution.