Story perspectives

Vatican Unveils First LGBTQ+ Report, Emphasizes Social Justice

5/11/2026

Summary

**Pope Leo Releases**

Pope Leo XIV released the Vatican’s LGBTQ+ report on 5 May, stressing social justice over sexual morality.
The report features testimonies from a Portuguese man and an American theologian describing conversion-therapy harm.
Rev. James Martin noted it is the first Vatican document to include detailed LGBTQ+ personal stories.
Bishop Joseph Strickland called the report deeply alarming, claiming it attacks Catholic doctrine on homosexuality.

Summary

**Courage Condemns**

Courage International denounced the synodal annex as calumny, slander and infamy against its ministry.
Courage traces its origins to Cardinal Terence Cooke’s 1978 initiative that appointed Father John Harvey.
The first official Courage meeting occurred on Sept. 26 1980 at Manhattan’s Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Executive director Father Brian Gannon, on the 45th anniversary, said members seek to follow Church teaching despite a “twisted” secular view of sexuality.

History

Historical Context

After the 1 October 1986 CDF letter signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger urging bishops to develop pastoral care for homosexual persons, Pope John Paul II approved the document, reinforcing the Church’s stance. Meanwhile, Courage International—founded by Cardinal Terence Cooke in 1978—continues ministering to gay Catholics. The debate now informs the synodal reforms Pope Francis is guiding.

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**Pope Leo Releases**

Pope Leo XIV released the Vatican’s LGBTQ+ report on 5 May, stressing social justice over sexual morality.
The report features testimonies from a Portuguese man and an American theologian describing conversion-therapy harm.
Rev. James Martin noted it is the first Vatican document to include detailed LGBTQ+ personal stories.
Bishop Joseph Strickland called the report deeply alarming, claiming it attacks Catholic doctrine on homosexuality.

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