Pope Leo XIV held a private audience in Vatican City on February 6, 2026, with leaders from Courage International. Courage International is a ministry that supports Catholics experiencing same-sex attraction who strive to live chaste lives in accordance with Church teaching. The meeting, described as historic by the ministry, included discussions on the importance of chastity for personal healing and strength. The Pope reportedly emphasized the concept of true freedom as mastering passions and surrendering to God's will. Executive Director Father Brian Gannon stated the meeting was an extraordinary gift and a significant morale booster for the organization.
29 days ago
Pope Leo XIV held a private audience on February 6, 2026, with leaders of Courage International in Vatican City.1 2
The group described the encounter as a "historic" and "momentous" occasion, marking the first time a pope has met with its representatives.1
Attendees included Father Brian Gannon, executive director of Courage International; Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who chairs the group's board of bishops; and longtime Courage member Angelo Sabella.1 2
Gannon called the meeting an "extraordinary gift" and highlighted the pope's gracious listening.1
The conversation focused on the importance of chastity, which Gannon said "heals, strengthens, and restores the person."1
Pope Leo XIV emphasized true freedom as mastering passions and surrendering to God's will, while addressing human woundedness and Christ's companionship.1
The pope expressed strong support for Courage's mission.1
Founded in 1980 by Father John Harvey at the request of Cardinal Terence Cooke, Courage helps Catholics with same-sex attraction live chaste lives in line with Church teaching.1 2
It marked 45 years in 2025 and now has over 160 chapters in 15 countries, plus more than 200 chaplains worldwide.1 2
The apostolate's five core principles are chastity, prayer, fellowship, support, and setting a good example; it also runs EnCourage for families of LGBTQ-identifying individuals.2
The meeting serves as a "huge morale booster" for Courage members globally, affirming the pope's endorsement of their work.1
Gannon likened chastity to learning to swim amid passions, enabling pursuit of God.1
The event underscores the ministry's role in providing pastoral accompaniment through prayer and community.1 2
Pope’s stance on chastity for Catholics with same‑sex attraction
The Catholic Church consistently teaches that all persons, including those experiencing same-sex attraction, are called to live chastely according to their state in life, reserving sexual intimacy for marriage between one man and one woman. This doctrine, rooted in Scripture and Tradition, emphasizes human dignity, compassion, and the pursuit of holiness through grace. While the provided sources do not include a direct statement from Pope Leo XIV specifically addressing chastity for Catholics with same-sex attraction, they reflect the unchanging magisterial teaching echoed by previous popes and reinforced in pastoral guidelines from bishops in communion with the Holy See. This framework underscores respect for individuals while upholding moral truth.
Pastoral care for those with same-sex attraction must prioritize their dignity as children of God, inviting them to holiness through chastity. As outlined in guidelines implementing Amoris Laetitia, "Catholic belief, rooted in Scripture, reserves all expressions of sexual intimacy to a man and a woman covenanted to each other in a valid marriage. We hold this teaching to be true and unchangeable." Persons with predominant same-sex attractions are thus "called to struggle to live chastely for the kingdom of God," with support through friendship, understanding, and the sacraments like Penance. This approach recognizes the challenges of chastity—"some can find chastity very difficult"—but affirms that "the power of God's grace can make this a real possibility."
Similarly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights chastity as blossoming in friendship, whether same- or opposite-sex, leading to "spiritual communion" and a "promise of immortality." Ministers are urged to emphasize that such persons "are loved by God" and called to union with Christ as adopted children of the Father. This compassionate stance avoids scandal while fostering growth: active, public same-sex relationships "offer a serious counter-witness to Catholic belief" and cannot be fully integrated into parish life without causing "moral confusion," particularly for children. Those in such situations should not hold positions of responsibility or liturgical roles.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) echoes this in frameworks for youth ministry, stating plainly: "The teachings of the Church regarding human sexuality are clear: each person is loved and valued, yet same-sex activity and any sexual acts outside marriage are rejected as they are sinful." Ministries must accompany youth and young adults experiencing same-sex attraction "in a way that is both relevant to their desires and faithful to the teachings of the faith," countering the misconception that the Church rejects them. This includes education on fertility, contraception, and pornography as contrary to God's design for love, open to life within marriage.
On religious liberty concerns, the USCCB clarifies that opposition to same-sex behavior stems not from animus but from doctrine: persons with same-sex attraction "must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity," yet "[u]nder no circumstances can [same-sex sexual behavior] be approved." This balances pastoral sensitivity with fidelity, ensuring no "unjust discrimination" while upholding truth.
Pope Leo XIV's recent messages focus on themes like peace, reconciliation, Franciscan spirituality, and ecumenism, entrusting initiatives to Mary and calling for trust and hope amid global conflicts. For instance, his World Day of Peace message invokes prior popes like John XXIII, Benedict XVI, and Francis on fraternity and non-violence, but does not address sexuality directly. Earlier papal addresses, such as Benedict XVI's emphasis on the Church's growth by "attraction" through Christ's love, indirectly support a witness of chaste living as evangelization. No provided papal document from Leo XIV deviates from or alters the Church's doctrine on chastity and same-sex attraction, which remains constant.
In summary, while direct sources from Pope Leo XIV on this topic are absent here, the Church's unified teaching—drawn from episcopal guidelines, the Catechism, and USCCB documents—calls Catholics with same-sex attraction to chastity as a path to holiness, supported by compassionate pastoral care. This fosters genuine friendship and grace-filled living, avoiding scandal while affirming dignity. For the most current papal insights, ongoing magisterial developments under Pope Leo XIV continue to build on this foundation of truth and mercy.