Pope Leo stresses social justice over sexual ethics debate

Pope Leo’s first African tour, covering four countries, was marked by strong condemnations of authoritarian rule and conflict, alongside political controversy sparked by criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. However, remarks made by the pontiff on issues of Church priorities have drawn particular attention among Catholic observers, Reuters notes.

During a press conference on his return flight on April 23, Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, said the Catholic Church should place greater emphasis on issues of inequality and justice rather than internal debates over sexual ethics, including same-sex relationships.

"The unity or division of the Church should not revolve around sexual matters," Leo said in a press conference on his flight home on April 23, answering a question about how the Church considers same-sex marriage.

"I believe there are much greater and more important issues such as justice, equality... that would all take priority before that particular issue," he said.

The comments were made in response to questions about the Church’s approach to blessings for same-sex couples. Leo expressed support for a 2023 decision by his predecessor, Pope Francis, which allowed priests to offer informal blessings to same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis, outside of formal liturgical settings.

He also indicated that he does not support expanding or formalising such blessings further.

"To go beyond that today, I think that the topic can cause more ‌disunity than ⁠unity," said the 70-year-old pontiff.

The remarks were welcomed by some Catholic advocacy groups. Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of Dignity USA, which supports LGBTQ Catholics, described the comments as "a very significant and overdue reorientation of priorities".

Analysts say the pope’s framing of Church priorities could signal a shift in emphasis within Catholic discourse, potentially influencing how internal debates over doctrine and social issues are approached in the future.

By Sabina Mammadli