LGBTQ Catholics Celebrate Acceptance During Historic Jubilee Pilgrimage

On September 5-7, 2025, hundreds of LGBTQ Catholics and their families participated in a historic pilgrimage to Rome, coinciding with the Catholic Church's Holy Year celebrations. This event, which included a procession through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizes a significant shift towards acceptance within a church that has historically marginalized LGBTQ individuals. Approximately 1,400 participants from 22 countries attended, marking a watershed moment in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ community.

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The pilgrimage was organized by "Jonathan's Tent," an Italian LGBTQ advocacy group, alongside other organizations such as DignityUSA and Outreach. This event was notably included in the Vatican's official calendar of jubilee events, although organizers clarified that this listing did not imply formal endorsement by the Vatican. The pilgrimage was a response to a perceived lack of representation for LGBTQ Catholics in the Church's jubilee events, which have traditionally celebrated various groups.

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Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian bishops' conference, celebrated Mass for the pilgrims at the Church of the Gesù, emphasizing the Jubilee's purpose of restoring dignity to marginalized individuals. Jesuit Father James Martin, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ inclusion, met with Pope Leo XIV prior to the pilgrimage, where the Pope expressed his commitment to continue the inclusive legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

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Pope Francis, who served until his death earlier in 2025, had previously made strides towards LGBTQ acceptance, famously stating, "Who am I to judge?" in reference to gay clergy. His tenure included support for civil unions and blessings for same-sex couples, which many pilgrims credited for the current atmosphere of acceptance. Participants noted that the pilgrimage represented a culmination of decades of advocacy and a shift in the Church's approach to LGBTQ individuals.

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Bishop Savino's homily resonated with attendees, as he stated, “The Jubilee was the time to free the oppressed and restore dignity to those who had been denied it.” This sentiment was echoed by Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, who remarked on the significance of LGBTQ individuals being welcomed through the Holy Door, a stark contrast to the Church's stance 25 years ago.

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Despite the progress, some participants expressed concerns about the pace of change within the Church. Ana Flavia Chávez Pedraza, a transgender Catholic from Peru, highlighted the need for Pope Leo XIV to engage directly with transgender Catholics, indicating that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure full inclusion.

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• “It was a very special moment” for such Catholics to feel embraced, said Tyrone Grima, of Malta, who attended the event.” — Tyrone Grima, Pilgrim

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• “Not only are LGBTQ people marching and walking to say that they're part of the church, but official church institutions are welcoming them and helping them to tell their stories,” — Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry

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The Jubilee pilgrimage for LGBTQ Catholics in Rome represents a significant step towards inclusion within the Catholic Church. While challenges remain, the event has fostered a sense of hope and belonging among participants, reflecting a broader shift in the Church's approach to LGBTQ issues. As Pope Leo XIV continues the legacy of openness initiated by Pope Francis, many LGBTQ Catholics remain cautiously optimistic about their place within the Church.

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