An Unprecedented Audience Scheduled at the Vatican in October 2025
From October 24 to 26, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will officially welcome a delegation from the pro-LGBTQ+ Catholic reform movement “We Are Church” to the Vatican. This historic meeting, part of the Holy Year 2025 celebrations and the Jubilee for Synodal Teams and Participatory Structures, will mark the first time a sitting pope meets with this group. It signifies a major step forward in the relationship between the Holy See and reform movements advocating for a more inclusive Church.
A Powerful Gesture Toward the Church’s Critical Voices
Established in 1995, “We Are Church” has been pushing for transformation within the Catholic Church. The group advocates for the ordination of women, full recognition of same-sex couples, and a firm stance against sexual abuse. Active in more than 30 countries, the movement has often stood in contrast to the institutional positions of Church leadership. This upcoming audience with Pope Leo XIV is seen as a turning point for the credibility and acknowledgment of Catholic reform voices.
Doctrinal Continuity with a Willingness to Engage in Dialogue
Leo XIV, the first American pope elected in May 2025, has reaffirmed the Church’s traditional teaching on marriage, continuing to define it as a stable union between a man and a woman. However, he has also upheld the possibility of blessings for same-sex couples, following the path set by Pope Francis. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, current head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has confirmed that this practice will remain authorized under the new pontificate.
A Symbol of Hope and Openness
The meeting with “We Are Church” will coincide with the delegation’s passage through the Holy Door—a key symbolic moment during the Holy Year. For Christian Weisner, co-founder of the movement, the invitation is a “sign of hope” for real institutional renewal and a recognition of decades of commitment to building a more inclusive Church.
Toward a More Inclusive Church?
This event could signal a turning point in the Vatican’s approach to reform organizations, particularly those advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion. It also paves the way for broader conversations on sensitive topics such as sexuality, gender identities, and the role of women in the Church. The meeting may represent an initial step toward a more welcoming and inclusive Church for all believers.
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