Pope Leo XIV to receive pro-LGBTQ+ and women priest advocacy group in landmark Vatican meeting

In a historic move, Pope Leo XIV is set to meet with representatives from We Are Church International (WAC), a global Catholic reform group advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion, the ordination of women, and married clergy. The meeting will take place during the Jubilee of Synodal Teams, scheduled for 24–26 October 2025, as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations.

Founded in Rome in 1996, WAC brings together national church reform movements from around the world. The group has long campaigned for equality within the Roman Catholic Church, drawing inspiration from the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). This year marks WAC’s 30th anniversary, and its leaders view the invitation to the Vatican as a significant milestone in their decades-long advocacy.

A rare chance to raise issues of equality directly with the sovereign pontiff.

“This meeting is a sign for the Church as a whole,” said Christian Weisner, WAC co-founder. “To leave mistakes behind and to set out again and again in Christian hope”.

The Vatican confirmed that WAC representatives will walk through the Holy Door and have the opportunity to speak directly with Pope Leo XIV. The invitation was extended by Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, despite longstanding doctrinal differences between the group and the Holy See on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, women’s ordination, and clerical marriage.

While Pope Leo XIV has previously expressed scepticism about LGBTQ+ reforms - reaffirming that family is “founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman” - he has also maintained that blessings for same-sex couples will continue.

Colm Holmes, chair of WAC, described the meeting as “a rare chance to raise issues of equality directly with the sovereign pontiff,” adding that the group remains committed to renewing the Church in line with the theological spirit of Vatican II.