Historic pilgrimage for LGBTQ+ Catholics at Vatican

LGBTQ+ Catholics participated in a groundbreaking pilgrimage at the Vatican this weekend, the first of its kind officially recognized during the Holy Year, signaling a potential shift towards greater inclusion in the Roman Catholic Church. On September 6 and 7, 2025, approximately 1,400 LGBTQ+ Catholics from 20 countries gathered in Rome for this historic event. Dressed in rainbow colors and carrying crosses, they attended prayer vigils and masses, culminating in a procession through the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, a symbol of reconciliation opened only during jubilee years that occur every quarter-century. The pilgrimage was listed on the official calendar of the Vatican’s Jubilee Year, marking a significant departure from past attitudes where similar gatherings were condemned by church leadership. This event builds on the legacy of Pope Francis, who authorized blessings for same-sex couples in 2023 and emphasized welcoming LGBTQ+ people as ‘children of God,’ though he did not change the church’s doctrine on marriage. Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Francis in May 2025, has not publicly addressed LGBTQ+ issues yet, but his private audience with Reverend James Martin, a prominent advocate, is seen as a positive sign of continuity. Participants expressed hope and cautious optimism, with one pilgrim describing it as a welcoming experience that opens the church to more people, while advocates called it a ‘huge moment’ for the community. Despite these advances, the Catholic Church’s catechism still describes homosexuality as ‘intrinsically disordered,’ and acceptance remains contentious among conservatives, particularly in regions like Africa. The pilgrimage represents a watershed in the church’s engagement with LGBTQ+ faithful, potentially paving the way for further dialogue and inclusion under Pope Leo’s leadership.