In a move that underscores continuity with his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV met Monday with Rev. James Martin, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church. The half-hour audience, officially announced by the Vatican, marks a significant gesture of welcome in the early months of Leo’s papacy.

Rev. Martin, a Jesuit priest and author based in New York, described the meeting as “very consoling and very encouraging and frankly a lot of fun,” according to The Associated Press. He said Pope Leo expressed support for his ministry and affirmed his intention to continue Pope Francis’ inclusive approach toward LGBTQ+ Catholics.

“I heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis, which is the desire to welcome all people, including LGBTQ people,” Martin told the AP.

The timing of the meeting is notable, coming just days before a major Holy Year pilgrimage to the Vatican organized by LGBTQ+ Catholic groups. The event, which includes a Mass celebrated by a senior member of the Italian bishops’ conference, is listed on the Vatican’s official calendar—though not formally endorsed.

A Message of Continuity and Unity

Pope Francis, who led the Church from 2013 to 2025, was known for his groundbreaking gestures of inclusion, including his famous “Who am I to judge?” remark and his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples. While Francis did not alter Church doctrine on homosexuality, his pastoral tone marked a shift in the Church’s engagement with LGBTQ+ communities.

Pope Leo’s stance had been uncertain. Prior comments from 2012, when he was still Rev. Robert Prevost, criticized the “homosexual lifestyle.” However, as a cardinal in 2023, he acknowledged Francis’ inclusive vision, stating, “We are looking to be more welcoming and more open and to say all people are welcome in the church.”

Martin, who worked with Prevost during the Vatican’s synod on the Church’s future, said he always found him to be “a very open, welcoming, inclusive person.” He added that Leo emphasized his broader priorities of peace and unity, referencing global conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar.

Mixed Reactions Across the Catholic Spectrum

The meeting drew praise from LGBTQ+ advocates and concern from conservative voices. Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry called the audience “a strong indication that Leo affirms Pope Francis’ welcoming model.” Meanwhile, critics like Taylor Marshall and John-Henry Weston expressed dismay, with Weston labeling the encounter a “nightmare scenario.”

Despite the polarized reactions, Martin remains optimistic. Quoting Francis’ iconic phrase, he said Leo reiterated that the Church is for “todos, todos, todos”—everyone.

As the Church navigates its place in a rapidly evolving world, Pope Leo’s early gestures suggest a commitment to inclusion without doctrinal compromise. Whether this balance will satisfy both reformers and traditionalists remains to be seen.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – Elevation Church, a prominent megachurch based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced its decision to sever ties with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States. The church, known for its popular music and charismatic pastor, sent a letter to the SBC’s executive committee and the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, informing them of its immediate withdrawal from the SBC.

The letter, which was subsequently published by Baptist Press, an official SBC publication, stated that Elevation Church had chosen not to make a public announcement regarding its decision. Instead, they emphasized their dedication to spreading the love of Jesus and expressed that they had too much work to do in reaching out to the world. However, they did mention that if the SBC’s Credentials Committee made their decision public, Elevation Church would respond with a copy of their withdrawal letter to any inquiries.

While Elevation Church did not provide a specific reason for their departure after more than two decades of affiliation with the SBC, recent controversies surrounding the ordination of female pastors within the convention may have played a role. Earlier this year, several congregations, including the prominent Saddleback Church, were expelled from the SBC due to their inclusion of female pastors, a practice that goes against the SBC’s statement of faith, which stipulates that only men can hold pastoral office.

Holly Furtick, the wife of Elevation’s pastor Steven Furtick, is described as a church co-founder and regularly delivers sermons. Some influential SBC leaders, such as seminary President Albert “Al” Mohler, adhere to the belief that women should not preach during worship services, citing biblical teachings.

According to data submitted by Elevation Church to the SBC, the megachurch boasts an average weekly attendance of 10,185 people and received $103 million in donations in 2021. The church had also contributed $10,000 to the SBC’s Cooperative Program. Additionally, a recent study revealed that Elevation Church is one of four megachurches whose music dominates the contemporary worship music market.

The departure of Elevation Church is a significant development for the already declining SBC, which has experienced a continuous decrease in membership and baptism numbers over the past decade. In 2022 alone, the SBC lost nearly half a million members, and the total membership has dropped from 16.3 million in 2006 to 13.2 million in 2022. Elevation Church’s exit, along with other notable departures, is likely to exacerbate these challenges for the SBC.

Despite withdrawing from the SBC, Elevation Church has expressed its intention to continue partnering with Southern Baptist churches. Chunks Corbett, a leader at Elevation, stated in the letter that the church’s decision to disaffiliate does not diminish their support and prayers for the ministries and mission work of other Southern Baptist churches.

Los Angeles, California – The Catholic community is in shock today following the tragic news of the murder of Bishop David O’Connell. Bishop O’Connell, who was the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was gunned down in his office at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown LA Monday evening.

According to witnesses, the assailant entered the bishop’s office just before 7 pm, carrying a handgun. He fired several shots at Bishop O’Connell, who was seated behind his desk. The bishop was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later.

The police have launched an investigation into the killing, and the motive for the attack is still unclear. There is currently no information on the identity of the suspect or suspects involved in the murder.

The news of Bishop O’Connell’s death has shocked the Catholic community in LA and beyond. He was known for his dedication to social justice issues and his commitment to helping the less fortunate. He was also a respected theologian and scholar, known for his insightful writings on Catholic theology.

Many members of the Catholic community have expressed their grief and condolences following the news of Bishop O’Connell’s death. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles issued a statement saying, “I am deeply saddened by the senseless and tragic death of Bishop David O’Connell. He was a man of great faith and a tireless advocate for justice and peace. His loss is a profound loss for our community and for the Church.”

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has announced that a memorial service will be held for Bishop O’Connell in the coming days. In the meantime, members of the Catholic community are coming together to pray for his soul and to offer support to one another during this difficult time.

This is not the first time that a Catholic bishop has been the victim of violence in the United States. In 2019, Bishop Michael McGovern of the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois, was assaulted in his home by an intruder. He survived the attack but sustained serious injuries.

The killing of Bishop O’Connell is a tragic reminder of the violence that continues to plague our society. It is also a reminder of the risks that religious leaders face in their work. Despite the dangers, however, many clergy members continue to dedicate their lives to serving their communities and promoting peace and justice.

The investigation into the murder of Bishop O’Connell is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward. In the meantime, the Catholic community in LA and beyond is mourning the loss of a beloved leader and praying for peace and healing in the wake of this tragedy.