Pope Leo XIV, who recently took office, is perceived as gentle and measured. However, he’s been quite vocal about a range of contentious issues, including gender ideology in education and environmental concerns.
The 69-year-old, originally named Robert Francis Prevost, has shared insights on these matters through his social media, official duties, and media interviews.
Climate Change
Like his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV conveys a strong message about the responsibility of believers to care for the Earth.
Last November, while serving as the president of the Latin American Bible Committee and as governor of the Dicastery for Bishops, he urged a shift from words to action regarding what he called an “environmental crisis.”
He expressed that exploiting nature should not lead to tyranny, emphasizing the need for a reciprocal relationship between humanity and the environment, as reported by Vatican News.
Prevost also highlighted the negative environmental effects of technology, pointing to the Vatican’s installation of solar panels and the adoption of electric vehicles as steps in the right direction.
Gender Ideology and Homosexuality
While Francis famously posed the question, “Who am I to judge?” regarding the LGBTQ+ community, Leo XIV’s stance appears less inclusive. In a 2012 address, he criticized media and culture for fostering “sympathy for beliefs and practices contrary to the gospel,” which he related to “a gay lifestyle” and “alternative families” involving same-sex couples.
The bishop of Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, noted Prevost’s opposition to government initiatives promoting gender ideology in schools, stating that such efforts are confusing and seek to create non-existent genders.
Abortion
Prevost has made his pro-life position clear on social media, advocating for the Catholic Church’s anti-abortion stance. In 2015, he encouraged followers to participate in the March for Life Rally in Chiclayo, asserting, “Always save human lives!”
He also shared support for a 2017 mass led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, where the archbishop condemned abortion, emphasizing the importance of the womb as a sanctuary for vulnerable lives.
Death Penalty
Reflecting the Catholic Church’s views, Prevost has expressed opposition to the death penalty, pushing for its abolition. In a post from March 2015, he stated, “It’s time to end the death penalty.”
Euthanasia
Prevost has publicly opposed euthanasia as well, notably through a 2016 repost of an article urging Belgium not to support laws permitting assisted suicide. He shared concerns that such measures endanger the most vulnerable among society and could degrade the doctor-patient relationship.
Gun Rights
In October 2017, he shared a tweet from Senator Chris Murphy advocating for stricter gun control following a mass shooting in Las Vegas. Murphy’s message stressed that thoughts and prayers are insufficient without action to prevent such violence.
