Relics of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati are shown during their canonization Mass by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican, on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. AP Photo
Pope Leo XIV, elected four months ago, has reassured Catholics he will not alter Church teachings on gay marriage or women deacons. In his first interview, published Thursday, Leo said people want changes, but “we have to change attitudes before we even think about changing what the Church says about any given question.”
The U.S.-born pontiff contrasts sharply with his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose progressive stance sparked debate among traditionalists. Leo emphasized his desire to welcome everyone into the Church, “but I don’t invite a person in because they are or are not of any specific identity.”
Doctrine on Sexuality Remains
Leo said it is “highly unlikely, certainly in the near future,” that teachings on sexuality or marriage will change. He stressed support for the traditional family structure of father, mother, and children. He described issues involving LGBTQ+ Catholics as “highly polarizing” and said he wants to avoid further division in the Church.
The pope has met with advocates for homosexual Catholics, including American priest James Martin, though he has not publicly addressed LGBTQ+ pilgrims visiting the Vatican.
Women Deacons
The pope also tempered expectations on women deacons, a reform Pope Francis had explored. Leo said, “I at the moment don’t have an intention of changing the teaching of the Church on the topic,” but he remains open to listening to people.
Addressing Clerical Abuse
Leo addressed sexual abuse scandals within the Church, calling it “a real crisis.” He stressed that accused priests are innocent until proven guilty and that the Church cannot focus exclusively on abuse. While Francis introduced reforms to tackle the issue, Leo wants to balance attention to abuse with other Church matters.
Life as Pope
Leo, 70, shared insights into his new role in the Vatican. He admitted that giving up his past life and taking on a public, 24-hour position is challenging. Governance is complex, but he said he is gradually learning, describing it as “just dipping a big toe into the shallow end.”
He acknowledged the Vatican’s financial difficulties but said they do not keep him awake, thanks to his experience in finance. Leo also expressed concern over the growing wealth gap, highlighting Elon Musk’s rise toward becoming the world’s first trillionaire. “If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble,” he said.
Global Perspective
Leo XIV spent nearly 20 years as a missionary in Peru before becoming pope. He seeks a balance between tradition and engagement with the modern world, aiming to guide the Church without further polarizing members.
