The Vatican is set to host a series of events for the LGBTQ community as part of the 2025 Holy Year celebrations, with over 1,000 participants expected to join the pilgrimage in Rome. The event, organized by the Italian pro-LGBTQ group La Tenda di Gionata, includes a multilingual prayer vigil near the Church of Jesus in Rome on September 5, followed by a Mass and procession through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. The pilgrimage will conclude on September 7 with the Angelus prayer led by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church.
Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, will preside over the group’s Mass. In a recent interview, Savino emphasized that the Church’s inclusion of the LGBTQ community reflects its mission to welcome everyone, regardless of background or life choices. He stated, “Inclusive welcome is… a posture of the heart and gaze. It is the very breath of the Gospel.” This statement underscores the Church’s efforts to reconcile traditional teachings with a more inclusive approach.
Despite this, Pope Leo XIV has expressed skepticism toward LGBTQ reforms within the Church, reaffirming that marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman. However, he has so far upheld Pope Francis’ directive allowing blessings for same-sex couples, indicating a nuanced position on the issue. The Vatican’s listing of the pilgrimage on its official Jubilee calendar, under the late Pope Francis’ leadership, has sparked discussions about the Church’s evolving stance on inclusivity.
The event has drawn attention from both supporters and critics within the Catholic community. While some view it as a positive step toward inclusivity, others argue that the Church’s stance remains unchanged. The Vatican has clarified that including the LGBTQ group on the Jubilee calendar does not equate to sponsorship or endorsement of their activities, highlighting the Church’s careful balance in addressing these complex issues.