Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, recently ascended as the first US Pope, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church. His past comments, criticizing Western media for promoting beliefs contrary to the Gospel, have raised concerns among LGBTQ+ Catholics, who fear a return to exclusion under his leadership after feeling welcomed by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The author reflects on their own journey as a gay Catholic, expressing disappointment and worry about the potential for renewed ostracism within the Church.
