Change in the church is as difficult as change in society – it comes slowly based on new knowledge and new understandings about religion, the bible and science. New knowledge and understandings in the area of homosexuality and church teaching include all these. The idea of diverse sexual identities as we now experience and know it scientifically is very recent.

Still today there are many countries where being gay or engaging in gay relationships is illegal with penalties including incarceration and death. When church people interpret certain bible texts inaccurately it can lead to vilification of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Church teaching based on poor biblical interpretation and unscientific anthropology has led to interpretations of church teaching that have harmed, disadvantaged and justified discrimination against LGBTIQA+ people.

Where science, good theology and accurate biblical interpretation are respected, church teaching particularly in the area of morals, can be interpreted in an inclusive way. Just as other church moral teachings have been adjusted to meet current reality, such as the death penalty, war ethics and slavery, so has church teaching on homosexuality and gender diversity.

But it is new and emerging and, in some church statements, there is still some work to do. Those who find this emerging theology around gender and sexual diversity difficult can be caught in an undignified cultural war that demeans LGBTIQA+ people unjustifiably. Thus, at this time of change we have differing views. This is unfortunately at all levels of church life.

We encourage conversation and dialogue especially at the level of experience and pastoral practice. Often the view of those wedded to no change remains at an academic level. They are seemingly unconcerned about the clear church teaching that LGBTIQA+ people must be treated with “respect, compassion, and sensitivity” (Catholic Catechism 2358). They are unaware or unconcerned about the harm their view may do.

Views can change especially through meeting and sharing faith, ministry, and life with LGBTIQA+ people. Austrian Cardinal Christopher Schönborn, Editorial Secretary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church at one time, was opposed to a more liberal view until he was confronted with the fact that a gay man in a gay relationship was voted onto the parish council his diocese. The parish priest sacked him because of his relationship status. Cardinal Schönborn had a meal with this man and his partner and reinstated him to the parish council.

This pastoral approach is the one Pope Francis uses and recommends.

The Catholic Herald (UK) reported in 2015 that after Cardinal Schönborn saw a friend who had many short-lived relationships finally be in a stable relationship and seeing his friend grow – he said that “It is an improvement. They share a life, they share their joys and sufferings, they help one another. It must be recognised that this person took an important step for his own good and the good of others…”

“We are not at risk of diluting the clarity [of Church teaching] while walking with people because we are called to walk in the faith,” he said.

In 2021, Cardinal Schönborn said that the Church should not refuse same-sex blessings.

Also in 2021, German priests dedicated a whole day to same-sex relationship blessings despite a Vatican ban.

Pope Francis (2013 – 2025)

Despite this, Pope Francis has voiced his support for same-sex civil unions – as he did even as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He also encourages people in religious life who have often been vilified for helping LGBTIQA+ people to keep up the good work. You can find out more about this at:

Later in Pope Francis’ pontificate, he also allowed same-sex blessings (not to be confused with a marriage/wedding ritual), and transgender people to be baptised and to be godparents.

Pope Leo XIV (2025–present)

Pope Leo XIV was elected on 8 May 2025. His approach to LGBTIQA+ issues as Pope is still developing, but early signs indicate continuity with Pope Francis’s pastoral direction. On 1 September 2025 – five days before the Jubilee pilgrimage – Leo met privately with Fr James Martin SJ, founder of the LGBTIQA+ Catholic ministry Outreach, in the papal library of the Apostolic Palace. Fr Martin reported that he “heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis, which is the desire to welcome all people, including LGBTQ people.” The meeting was announced in the Vatican’s official daily bulletin, which observers noted was itself a public signal of support.

In September 2025, for the first time in history, an LGBTIQA+ pilgrimage was included in the Vatican’s official Jubilee calendar. More than 1,000 LGBTIQA+ Catholics, their families, and those who minister to them processed through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The pilgrimage was organised by Italian LGBTIQA+ Catholic group La Tenda di Gionata (Jonathan’s Tent), with participation from international organisations including New Ways Ministry and Outreach. The Vatican clarified that the listing was logistical rather than an endorsement. The event was welcomed by many Catholics as a historic milestone, while others within the Church expressed objection – reflecting the range of views that continues to exist at every level of Church life.

How Pope Leo’s pontificate will continue to develop on these questions remains to be seen.

The Australian Context

In Australia, bishops have supported LGBT pastoral care in various ways.

  • Paramatta Diocese supports LGBTIQA+ Catholics through a working group and in Catholic Schools Paramatta where pastoral care for LGBT students has a high priority.
  • Well-regarded and openly gay theologian, James Alison, was invited by Catholic Religious Australia and Catalyst for Renewal in 2023 to talk about pastoral care for LGBT people. He was the keynote speaker at 30+ events during his short visit all across Australia.

There are many other positive expressions of good pastoral support in the Catholic Church worldwide.

Acceptance Perth follows this model of positive non-judgemental journeying with LGBTIQA+ Catholics and allies. If you would like to join us or find out more, please contact us.