Pope Leo XIV Holds Multiple Private Audiences with Global Leaders at Vatican

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, held a private audience with Reverend James Martin, a prominent American priest known for his ministry to LGBTQ Catholics, signaling a continuation of Pope Francis' approach toward greater openness and inclusion within the Catholic Church. Reverend Martin, founder of Outreach, an LGBTQ Catholic resource, has faced criticism from conservative Catholics but found support from both Pope Leo and the late Pope Francis, who encouraged his ministry and issued a decree allowing priests to bless same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. The Vatican's public acknowledgment of this meeting underscores the ongoing importance of LGBTQ issues in the Church under Pope Leo's leadership, although the new pontiff has not yet publicly addressed the topic. Additionally, Pope Leo met with U.S. Representative French Hill during an international Catholic legislators' gathering, emphasizing the call for lawmakers to act as bridge-builders between spiritual and secular realms. The pope also received Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, discussing the Catholic Church's vital role in education, healthcare, and social development in Zimbabwe amid challenging political and socio-economic circumstances. These audiences highlight Pope Leo XIV's engagement with diverse leaders and communities, reflecting his priorities in fostering dialogue, inclusion, and service across global Catholic and political spheres.