Pope Leo XIV, in his first published interview since being elected four months ago, has made it clear that he does not intend to change Catholic doctrine on gay marriage and women deacons, despite ongoing debates within the Church.
The U.S.-born pontiff, who succeeded Pope Francis, addressed these sensitive issues in a conversation with American journalist Elise Ann Allen for the book “Pope Leo XIV: Global Citizen, Missionary of the 21st Century.” While affirming the Church’s openness to welcome all people, he emphasized that attitudes, not doctrine, must change first.
“People want the Church doctrine to change, want attitudes to change,” Leo stated. “We have to change attitudes before we even think about changing what the Church says about any given question.”
Pope Leo acknowledged his shared desire with Francis to create a welcoming atmosphere but clarified: “I don’t invite a person in because they are or are not of any specific identity.” He stressed that Church teaching on sexuality and marriage is “highly unlikely, certainly in the near future,” to be altered. Instead, he reaffirmed support for the traditional family — father, mother, and children.
The debate on same-sex blessings, intensified under Francis when he allowed limited blessings for same-sex couples, has caused division among Catholics, especially in Africa and the United States. Pope Leo admitted that LGBTQ issues remain “highly polarizing” and said he is working to avoid further divisions. On the matter of women deacons, Leo also dampened expectations:
“I at the moment don’t have an intention of changing the teaching of the Church on the topic,” he said, though he promised to keep listening to voices within the Church.
This interview highlights Pope Leo XIV’s approach — pastoral openness without doctrinal shifts — as he begins to shape his papacy amid internal Church divisions.
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