Pope Leo’s stance on issues, from climate to LGBTQ+ to politics : NPR

Pope Leo XIV concelebrates Mass with the College of Cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel on Friday, the day after his election.

Vatican Media/AP

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Vatican Media/AP

Pope Leo XIV has already made history, as the first-ever American-born pope to lead the Roman Catholic Church. But how might he shape the institution?

Robert Francis Prevost was elected on Thursday after a two-day conclave to succeed the late Pope Francis — a progressive pontiff who was known for his commitment to social justice.

While Pope Leo is considered a centrist, he shares some of his predecessor’s views on including the environment and outreach to migrants.

Leo is also notable for being the first Augustinian friar to lead the church. The Order of Saint Augustine, which dates back to 1244, says it has some 2,800 members throughout 47 countries. Their three core values are “truth, unity and love.”

“And so, Leo XIV has been formed on those foundational values,” the Rev. Robert Hagan, prior provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova told NPR. “Francis spoke a lot about synodality, to listen. I think Pope Leo XIV is someone who is also willing to listen to the voices on the margins.”

Leo’s public comments and social media presence dating back years help paint a picture of his stances on certain issues.

At a 2023 Vatican press conference, for example, he said, “Our work is to enlarge the tent and to let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church.” In an interview the following year, he echoed Francis’ view that a bishop is “called to serve.”

“The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them, to suffer with them, and to look for ways that he can better live the Gospel message in the midst of his people,” the then-cardinal told Vatican News in 2024.

Here’s what Pope Leo has said in the past about a number of issues, from LGBTQ+ Catholics to climate change — though it’s not clear if his views have changed since or if they are clear indicators of how he will guide the world’s billion-plus Catholic faithful.

Equality for women

Like his predecessor, Leo opposes the idea of ordaining female deacons. That’s in keeping with thousands of years of Catholic understanding, as he told journalists at a 2023 conference.

“Something that needs to be said also is that ordaining women —…