Pope Leo XIV clarifies stance on same-sex marriage

Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed that the Catholic Church will not alter its core teachings on same-sex marriage and the ordination of women deacons, despite growing debate within the faith community.

In his first interview since becoming pontiff four months ago, the U.S.-born pope addressed concerns over potential changes following the contentious legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The remarks are published in the book “Pope Leo XIV: Global Citizen, Missionary of the 21st Century,” written by American journalist Elise Ann Allen.

Acknowledging widespread expectations for reform, Leo said: “People want the Church’s doctrine to change, want attitudes to change. But we must first change attitudes before we even think about changing what the Church teaches on any given issue.”

While echoing Francis’s vision of inclusivity, Leo emphasized that welcoming people into the Church should not be based on identity. “I share the desire to welcome everyone, but I don’t invite someone in because of who they are or are not,” he noted.

The 70-year-old pontiff stressed that significant doctrinal changes on sexuality or marriage remain “highly unlikely, certainly in the near future.” He added: “I think the Church’s teaching will continue as it is.”

Francis, who died in April at age 88, drew both praise and criticism for attempting to modernize the Church, notably by allowing limited blessings for same-sex couples, a move that provoked strong resistance, particularly among conservative circles in Africa and the United States.

Leo, elected at a time of deep divisions within the Church, admitted that LGBTQ+ issues remain “highly polarizing.” He said his goal is “not to deepen those divisions or fuel polarization.”

Earlier this month, Leo held a private meeting with American Jesuit priest James Martin, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ Catholics. However, he refrained from making a public address to the roughly 1,400 LGBTQ+ faithful who had gathered for a pilgrimage to the Vatican.

Reiterating his position, the pope voiced strong support for the “traditional family,” which he described as consisting of “father, mother, and children.”