Just Who is the New ‘Woke’ Pope Leo XIV Who Supports Homosexual Marriage?
By Swaleh | May 9, 2025
Even before his name was officially announced, chants of “Viva il Papa!” — Long live the Pope! — reverberated through St. Peter’s Square as the white smoke signaled the election of a new pontiff.
At 69, Robert Francis Prevost has become the 267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. He is the first American-born pope, though many also consider him a Latin American figure due to his extensive missionary work in Peru.
From Chicago Roots to Global Ministry
Born in Chicago in 1955 to a family with Spanish and Franco-Italian heritage, Prevost began serving as an altar boy before being ordained as a priest in 1982. Just three years later, he moved to Peru, where he spent much of his life working with marginalized communities and training future clergy.
He became a beloved figure in Trujillo, Peru, serving as a parish priest and seminary teacher for a decade. He later obtained Peruvian citizenship and is remembered for his bridge-building leadership and dedication to social justice.
A Legacy Tied to Pope Francis
In his first public remarks, Prevost paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis:
“We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis, who blessed us. United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together,” he told the cheering crowds.
The two shared a close bond. Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014, later elevating him to Archbishop in 2023 and Cardinal within months. As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost oversaw the selection of bishops across Latin America.
A Name With Historic Weight
By choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pontiff evokes the legacy of previous Popes Leo, particularly Leo I, who famously persuaded Attila the Hun to spare Rome, and Leo XIII, known for his advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston noted that Leo XIV’s name reflects a commitment to moral leadership during times of societal upheaval.
What Does Pope Leo XIV Stand For?
Observers are closely watching to see how Leo XIV will shape the Church in the years ahead. He is expected to continue Pope Francis’ focus on migrants, the poor, and environmental stewardship.
Described by friends as down-to-earth and deeply compassionate, Leo XIV has often spoken about his upbringing:
“I was born in the U.S., but all my grandparents were immigrants — French, Spanish… I was raised in a devout Catholic home.”
On climate change, Leo XIV has called for urgent action, advocating for a “reciprocal relationship with the environment,” and has championed the use of solar energy and electric vehicles at the Vatican.
A Complicated Landscape Ahead
While Leo XIV has supported Pope Francis’ 2023 declaration allowing blessings for same-sex couples, he has emphasized that the implementation of such decisions should be guided by local cultural contexts, signaling a cautious yet open approach.
He has also backed the greater inclusion of women in Church leadership, particularly within the Dicastery for Bishops, saying their involvement “significantly enriches discernment.”
“The Church must embrace the wisdom and perspectives of women,” he told Catholic News Service in 2024.
However, his views on LGBTQ+ issues and broader reforms have raised concerns among some conservative factions of the Church, leaving questions about his stance on traditional doctrines.
A Pontificate Begins Amid High Expectations
Though American by birth, Leo XIV is only the second pope from the Americas, following Argentina’s Pope Francis. His unique perspective—shaped by U.S. roots, Latin American ministry, and his role within the Roman Curia—positions him at a critical juncture in Church history, where tradition and transformation collide.
As the Church enters a new era under Pope Leo XIV, Catholics worldwide await how he will navigate this delicate balance.
