Pope Leo XIV Diverges from Pope Francis on Key Issues
Just elected on May 8, Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) appears set to take a different stance from his predecessor, Pope Francis, on several controversial issues within the Catholic Church. While both leaders share a focus on compassion and service, Leo is more conservative in some areas. On women’s ordination, he has voiced opposition, suggesting in 2023 that making women clergy could “create new problems,” though he acknowledged their significant contributions to the Church.
On LGBTQ+ issues, Pope Francis supported blessing same-sex unions, calling for inclusion.
Pope Leo has shown more caution, citing cultural differences—particularly in Africa—and emphasizing that such blessings may not be universally applicable.
However, Leo aligns with Francis on immigration and climate change. He has shown compassion for migrants and has urged stronger action on environmental issues, continuing Francis’s emphasis on the Church’s role in addressing the climate crisis.