Doctrinal Reform Essential to End Stigma and Discrimination
Delray Beach, FL— Truth Wins Out praised Pope Leo for extending a compassionate and welcoming gesture toward LGBTQ people during the lead-up to the Holy Year, calling it “a breath of fresh air in an era of intolerance.” While celebrating this positive sign, the organization also urged the Catholic Church to move beyond symbolism and reform harmful doctrine that continues to stigmatize LGBTQ lives.
“Pope Leo’s openness represents real Christian love in action,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “At a time when authoritarian leaders worldwide are cynically posing as Christians to consolidate power and promote bigotry, it is heartening to witness an authentic act of decency. His words and actions provide hope for millions who have been hurt by centuries of religious rejection.”
A Breath of Fresh Air
The Pope’s recent remarks and gestures — including his willingness to embrace LGBTQ Catholics and engage with pastoral leaders like Rev. James Martin — signal a renewed openness from the Vatican. For LGBTQ people long pushed to the margins of the Church, these signs of respect are deeply meaningful.
“To see the leader of the Catholic Church offer dignity and kindness to LGBTQ individuals sends a message that cannot be ignored,” remarked TWO’s Besen. “It is a reminder that faith, at its best, is about love, inclusion, and human connection — not exclusion and judgment.”
The Need for Real Change
Despite the positive tone, Truth Wins Out emphasized that gestures alone are insufficient to end the suffering caused by outdated and discriminatory church doctrine. While Pope Francis made strides by promoting dialogue and softening the tone, he never moved to change official teaching that labels homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered.”
“As long as the Catholic Church clings to this archaic and dehumanizing teaching, discrimination will persist and LGBTQ people will continue to suffer,” said Besen. “Doctrinal reform is essential for healing the wounds inflicted on millions of faithful Catholics and their families. The Church must evolve beyond its harmful dogma and fully embrace the full humanity of LGBTQ people.”
A Global Struggle
Truth Wins Out noted that the Pope’s welcoming message arrives at a crucial moment in world history. From Eastern Europe to Africa to the United States, anti-LGBTQ political movements are weaponizing religion as a tool of oppression. These authoritarian leaders claim to act in God’s name while promoting cruelty and division.
“In this climate, Pope Leo’s voice is not just pastoral — it is profoundly political,” Besen observed. “By modeling love instead of condemnation, he offers an antidote to those who exploit Christianity to advance hate-filled agendas. His example has the power to influence not only Catholics, but all people of good faith.”
About Truth Wins Out
Truth Wins Out is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to advance liberty and democracy, protect the rights of LGBTQ people and other minorities, combat religious extremism, and fight against the spread of disinformation.
