Pope Leo XIV’s election sparked a global response, but his appointment struck a deeper chord in Peru.
He was now the bishop of Chiclayo, a city in northern Peru, for many years. For LGBTQ leaders and activists in the country, Leo represents someone who is unlikely to rethink the doctrine of the church, but is capable of showing a shift towards a hostile and unopened Catholic church.
“The fact that the new Pope lived and served in Peru is nothing small,” said George Hale, director of Prom Sex, advocacy group based in Lima, Peru. “LeoXIV is deeply familiar with the pain of society hurt by inequality, abuse of power, popular religiousness, and classism and exclusion. His support for the victims of the Sodaltium scandal has shown him a courageous person to listen when others are silent.”
The Sordartium of Christian Life is a Peruvian Catholic amateur group involved in cases of sexual and psychological abuse of minors, and has become one of the worst church scandals in Latin America. His central role in the sanctions of Leo’s chief and the group’s ultimate disbandment were widely seen as a sign of his commitment to reform from within.
Former House member Alberto de Verande, one of Peru’s few openly gay politicians, also welcomed Leo’s election and described his trajectory as “a good news within the Vatican.” De Belaunde emphasized Leo’s time at the Pope Catholic University in Peru, where he served in the university’s parliament as a church representative.
“Unlike other pontifical schools, PUCP is progressive and diverse,” De Belaunde said. “Monsignor Prevost showed an incredible ability to interact with him at all times, showing that he respected different views, which speaks of both his intellectual and pastoral approach.”
The problem is still there. As for LGBTQ rights, how much can the church change under Leo’s Pope?
“Sometimes, even a mere change in tone can make a difference,” De Belunde pointed out. “I grew up under the influence of Pope John Paul II and Bishop Cipriani, both known for their conflicting rhetoric. – It does not change the doctrine, but it humanizes discourse.”
De Belaunde specifically mentioned Pope Francis’ comments in 2013 on gay priests. (Even though the church’s teachings on homosexuality remained unchanged, the Vatican tone on LGBTQ and intersex softened under Francis’s Pope.)
“There are very conservative factions within the church, and they are the perfect enemy of our rights,” said Rep. Suzel Paredes, a lesbian. “But as Jesus taught, there is also space for the love of our neighbors. If Pope Leo XIV were to portray the path to full inclusion of LGBTQ people, resistance would remain. These things will not change overnight.”
Paredes also highlighted Francis’ legacy, particularly his vision of the Congress Church. The Argentine-born Pope, who passed away on April 21st, was Leo’s direct leader.
“Pope Francis talked about a church where ‘everyone, everyone, everyone’ walks together without distinction,” she said. “Leo XIV was already part of that vision when he worked in some of Peru’s poorest areas, which gives him hope and reason to look at his Pope.”
However, activists have a clear look at the limits of symbolic change.
“He (Leo) doesn’t seem to be antagonistic,” Hale said. “But he is not promoting radical reform. He does not lead the fight for same-sex marriage or trans rights. But his intimacy with the people of Margin, especially in a country like ours, helps to eliminate hate speech.”
Hale also pointed to a recent gesture from the new Leo, which raised concerns. His general support for the Peruvian bishop’s statement is a statement against the court’s ruling that granted the right to die with dignity through euthanasia, Anna Estrada, a degenerating illness woman.
“By supporting that statement, he reaffirmed the official doctrine, and while he may be considerate, he still aligns with traditional positions on some important issues,” Hale said. “That’s why we argue. We don’t expect a revolution, but changing tone is important.”
Peru does not recognize same-sex marriage, and transgender people lack legal protection. Leo’s expectations regarding the Pope remain measured as church rhetoric remains an obstacle to civil rights.
“Rights must be recognized by law and the separation between the church and the state must remain fundamental,” Paredes said. “In secular law, that’s where progress comes in.”
“Yes – it’s a breath of fresh air that has a pope who doesn’t close the door. “It encourages us to continue.”
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
