Rome — The Church of the Gesù was filled with around 1,000 LGBTQ Catholics on Friday, marking the first officially recognized pilgrimage of its kind to the city. Pilgrims gathered to pray, reflect, and celebrate their faith in a historic event that included a procession featuring a rainbow-colored cross. On Saturday, the group made their way to St. Peter’s Basilica, entering through the Holy Door, a symbol of forgiveness and reconciliation that is opened only during jubilee years, which occur every 25 years. The next jubilee year is set for 2025.

This pilgrimage is part of the official calendar of jubilee events and reflects the hopes of LGBTQ Catholics for Pope Leo XIV to continue the welcoming approach of his predecessor, Pope Francis. During his 12-year papacy, Francis emphasized that LGBTQ individuals should be treated as “children of God.” He took significant steps, such as authorizing blessings for same-sex couples and advocating for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Africa.

Cory Shade from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, expressed her feelings about the pilgrimage, stating, "I think this is opening up the church to so many more people, to whole families, and it’s just such a welcoming experience." Before the procession, a Mass was held at the Gesù church, led by Bishop Francesco Savino, who is known for his supportive stance toward LGBTQ individuals.

The anticipation for Pope Leo XIV to build on Francis’ legacy was heightened when he met with Reverend James Martin, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ Catholics. Martin, who is leading a group from the United States on this pilgrimage, described his meeting with Leo as a sign of support for LGBTQ ministry. He stated, "The message I heard from Pope Leo is that he’s going to continue the legacy of Pope Francis in his ministry with LGBTQ people, which is a ministry of openness and welcome."

Michael O’Loughlin, leader of the LGBTQ Catholic group Outreach, called the pilgrimage a “huge moment” and noted that many LGBTQ individuals are “cautiously optimistic” about the future under Pope Leo. Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, reflected on the significant changes since the 2000 jubilee year, when LGBTQ individuals faced condemnation from the Vatican. He remarked, "Twenty-five years later LGBTQ Catholics are being welcomed through the Holy Door at the Vatican. It’s a big change."

The Catholic Church’s official teachings still describe homosexuality as “intrinsically disordered,” but they also call for respect and compassion towards LGBTQ individuals. While Francis did not alter the church’s doctrine, he shifted its approach, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay priests. He also supported civil unions for same-sex couples, a stance that was previously opposed by the Vatican.

Despite these advancements, acceptance of LGBTQ individuals remains a contentious issue within the church. In 2012, remarks by then-Reverend Robert Prevost criticized the “homosexual lifestyle.” However, in 2023, Cardinal Prevost stated that the church aims to be more welcoming and inclusive, emphasizing that no one should be excluded based on their lifestyle choices.

The pilgrimage culminated in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Savino, who received a standing ovation for his message of hope and dignity for marginalized individuals. He stated, "The Jubilee was the time to free the oppressed and restore dignity to those who had been denied it."

As the pilgrimage concluded, many participants expressed a renewed sense of belonging within the church. John Capozzi, who attended with his husband, shared how Pope Francis’ welcoming attitude encouraged him to return to the church after years of feeling unwelcome. He said, "With Pope Francis, I was able to come out and say, ‘Hey, you know, I am Catholic and I’m proud of it and I want to be part of the church.’"

The pilgrimage represents a significant moment for LGBTQ Catholics, who are hopeful for continued acceptance and support from the church under Pope Leo XIV.