Consider This from NPR: For LGBTQ Catholics, a Lot Depends on the Next Pope

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction: A Conclave in the Heart of Rome

On the eve of the conclave to elect the next pope, St. Peter's Square in the Vatican buzzes with anticipation. Tourists and religious pilgrims alike navigate the bustling square, along with numerous reporters keen to observe the movements of the cardinals—those who will ultimately choose the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. Scott Detrow sets the stage by highlighting the significance of this moment for LGBTQ Catholics, emphasizing the potential impact of the forthcoming papal leadership on their place within the church.

Father James Martin: Bridging Faith and LGBTQ Inclusion

Father James Martin, a prominent Jesuit priest known for his ministry aimed at welcoming gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals into the Catholic Church, joins Scott Detrow to provide deeper insights. Martin, who sports a distinctive Philadelphia Eagles cap, has become a key figure in fostering dialogue between the church and the LGBTQ community.

At [01:44], Father Martin explains his mission:

“As the cardinals make their way through the square, they're being stopped by reporters and also being stopped by people asking for blessings. It's an interesting mix.” [01:20]

Pope Francis’s Legacy: A Shift Towards Inclusion

Under the leadership of Pope Francis, there has been a notable shift in the Catholic Church’s approach to LGBTQ individuals. Father Martin details how Pope Francis personally encouraged ministries that promote inclusivity, marking a departure from previous stances that often alienated LGBTQ members.

Father Martin highlights concrete changes initiated by Pope Francis:

“Francis probably did more for LGBTQ people. The first pope ever used the word gay. Came out against the criminalization of homosexuality. He met with LGBTQ people... These would not have happened before Francis.” [06:43]

He underscores that while formal doctrines and teachings may not have drastically changed, the tone and approach have become markedly more welcoming.

The Conclave’s Crossroads: Potential Directions for the Church

With the conclave underway, questions abound regarding the trajectory the new pope will take, especially concerning LGBTQ inclusion. Father Martin discusses the diverse perspectives among the cardinals, ranging from those who support continued outreach to LGBTQ individuals to others who advocate for a more traditional and administrative approach.

Father Martin provides insight into the cardinals’ deliberations:

“They're thinking about the legacy of Pope Francis. Do they want someone sort of in his vein?... They really are looking for someone who is holy, someone who's a good evangelizer and someone who's a good administrator.” [04:41]

He notes the presence of both admiration and critique of Pope Francis within the cardinals, indicating a complex decision-making process.

Navigating Tensions: Unity vs. Inclusion

A central tension within the church lies in balancing the desire for unity with the imperative to stand up for marginalized groups. Father Martin explains how this equilibrium is particularly pertinent regarding LGBTQ Catholics, many of whom feel alienated despite recent gestures of inclusion.

Addressing the current state of the church:

“There are a lot of people that feel under Francis, they've had this experience of welcome. But there are also many places where cardinals and bishops are pretty homophobic and pretty, I would say, sometimes mean to LGBTQ people.” [08:01]

He emphasizes that encountering and understanding LGBTQ individuals is crucial for changing homophobic attitudes among church leaders, a point echoed by Pope Francis’s emphasis on a “culture of encounter.”

The Path Forward: Embracing Change and Trusting the Process

Looking ahead, Father Martin expresses cautious optimism. He believes that as more Catholics come out and assert their identities, the church will be compelled to address and integrate these changes more fully.

On the future of the church’s stance:

“The only way that's going to change... is encounter. This is one of the reasons Pope Francis was so big on the culture of encounter. It's coming to know people. That's basically it.” [08:59]

He advocates for trust in the conclave process, suggesting that the Holy Spirit guides the cardinals towards a leader who embodies holiness, effective evangelization, and adept administration.

Reassuring the faithful during the conclave:

“We have to trust that the cardinals are opening themselves up to the activity of the Holy Spirit and really are trying to find the man who they think is the best.” [10:24]

Father Martin’s Personal Journey and Ministry

Father Martin shares his personal motivations for leading a ministry focused on LGBTQ inclusion. The tragic Pulse nightclub massacre in 2016 served as a catalyst, prompting him to address the church’s response to such violence and the broader alienation felt by LGBTQ individuals.

Reflecting on his ministry’s origins:

“After the Pulse nightclub massacre... I thought, boy, you know, what does this community have to do to get the attention of the church? Is it not enough that they're murdered? So I gave a talk and then wrote a book called Building a Bridge, and that led into this ministry.” [09:15]

His approach has been met with both support and resistance within the church, yet he remains committed to fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Outlook Amid Uncertainty

As the conclave progresses, the future of LGBTQ inclusion within the Catholic Church remains uncertain but filled with potential. Father James Martin’s insights highlight the delicate interplay between tradition and modernity, unity and diversity. While the next pope’s stance will significantly influence the church’s direction, the seeds of change sown by Pope Francis and advocates like Father Martin continue to shape the dialogue.

Final thoughts from Father Martin:

“We really have to trust in the process. And, you know, as a Jesuit, you know, we will work with whoever steps out on that balcony in a couple of days.” [10:24]

Scott Detrow concludes the episode by acknowledging Father Martin’s contributions and emphasizing the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive church.

Notable Quotes:

• Father James Martin at [04:41]: “They really are looking for someone who is holy, someone who's a good evangelizer and someone who's a good administrator.”

• Father James Martin at [08:59]: “The only way that's going to change... is encounter.”

• Father James Martin at [10:24]: “We have to trust that the cardinals are opening themselves up to the activity of the Holy Spirit and really are trying to find the man who they think is the best.”

This episode of Consider This delves into the pivotal moment facing the Catholic Church, exploring the hopes and apprehensions of LGBTQ Catholics as they await the election of the next pope. Through Father James Martin’s experienced perspective, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the church’s relationship with its LGBTQ members.