Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV received Jesuit priest James Martin this week, signaling a continuation of support for pastoral work with the LGBTQ+ community, a practice that often draws criticism from conservative factions within the United States.The meeting, the first formal encounter between the Pope and Martin since Leo XIV’s election on May 8, occurred in a ”very relaxed atmosphere and even laughing,” according to Martin, who previously worked with the Pope – then Robert Francis Prevost – during the 2024 Synod on the synodality of bishops.
During the meeting, Pope leo XIV expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar, reaffirming his commitment to peace and unity. He gifted Martin several rosaries and his blessing, while martin presented the Pope with copies of two religious icons from his formation.
The encounter coincides with a pilgrimage to Rome organized by the Italian group Gonate’s tent in anticipation of the Holy Year 2025. Approximately 40 people accompanied Martin,and organizers expect around 1,000 LGBTQ+ pilgrims from italy,the United States,Spain,Germany,France,australia,and Latin America to participate in events this Saturday,including a crossing of the Holy Gate at St. Peter’s Basilica and a special Mass at the Church of the Gesu led by Bishop Francesco Savino,vice president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
Bishop Savino described the Mass as “a bell that breaks the silence of exclusion,” emphasizing,”The Gospel is not for a few,but a love letter for all humanity.”
