PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Pope Francis’ papacy was known for many things, but one that stood out to many was his openness to having laypeople and women wield influence inside the Catholic Church and for his welcoming stance toward the LGBTQ+ community. “It wasn’t just talk,” said Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, the episcopal delegate for religious in the Diocese of Brooklyn. “He put his money where his mouth was.”
The Holy Father made several statements over the years signaling acceptance of gay people, despite the fact that the Church considers homosexual acts to be immoral. “He was revolutionary in that regard,” said Father James Martin, editor-at-large of America Magazine and author of the 2017 book, “Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion and Sensitivity.”
“I don’t think the LGBTQ+ community has had a greater friend in the Catholic Church than Pope Francis,” he added.
The pope’s openness dates back to the early days of his papacy in 2013, when he famously stated, “Who am I to judge?” when he was asked about gay priests. Pope Francis was also the first pontiff to use the word “gay” in talking about homosexuals. In 2018, he told a gay man, “God made you like this, and he loves you.”
Pope Francis also appointed a gay man, Juan Carlos Cruz, to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in 2021.
In 2023, the Holy Father issued “Fiducia Supplicans,” a document approving clerical blessings for same-sex couples — provided the blessings do not resemble marriages.
“At every turn, Pope Francis has gone out of his way to show compassion and kindness to the LGBTQ+ community, and because of this, he has shown the way for others to follow his example,” Father Martin said.
The pontiff has also demonstrated his determination to elevate laypeople and women.
“The laity, and especially women, need to be more valued in their human and spiritual skills and gifts for the life of parishes and dioceses,” Pope Francis said in 2023.
The Holy Father took a big step when he decided to permit laypeople to vote in the synod that took place at the Vatican in October 2024. Of the 368 synod participants, 96 were described by the Vatican as “non-bishops,” a
clear sign that the pope wanted laypeople to have a seat at the table when decisions were made on the future of the Church.
In the Diocese of Brooklyn, the laity hold key roles in several areas.
“I personally am grateful to God for the opportunity to form laity as servant leaders in our diocese so that they may do exactly what Pope Francis has conveyed to us — to be witnesses, give testimony, and walk with others,” said Joann Roa, director of adult
faith formation for the diocese. “This is part of Pope Francis’ legacy, that we live out our vocation and mission as laity as one family of God.”
Pope Francis has also appointed women to key positions in the church. In February, he tapped Sister Raffaella Petrini to serve as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
It marks the first time in history a woman has held the highest leadership post in the administration of the Vatican. She will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Vatican.
Last year, the pontiff named Sister Ines Paulo Albino the secretary-general of the Pontifical Society for Missionary Childhood.
Maryellen Quinn, director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People for the diocese, said she views the pope as a “transformative force” for his promotion of women. One of his most profound steps, Quinn said, came in 2014 when he established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Of the commission’s 20 members, 10 are women.
“This remarkable balance is unprecedented in our Church’s history,” she said, adding that the pontiff “recognizes the unique tenderness and compassion that women bring to the table; qualities that foster unity and healing within our Church.”
Several Vatican offices are also filled by women.
Maria Lia Zervino and Sister Simona Brambilla were appointed to the 17-member Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod in 2024. Other examples include Gabriella Gambino and Lina Ghisoni, who serve as undersecretaries of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life; Sister Carmen Ros Nortes, the undersecretary at the Dicastery for Institutes for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; and Emilce Cuda, the secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
In addition, Natasa Govekar is the leader of the theological-pastoral department of the Dicastery of Communication, and Charlotte Kreuter-Kirchhof serves as deputy coordinator of the Council for the Economy. Sister Maryann said that the Holy Father not only elevates women but also seeks diversity within the ranks.
“He has affirmed women all along, not just women religious but women from all walks of life,” Sister Maryann said. “He believes that women have a voice in the Church and a role in the Church — be it in a high position or even at the parish level — and that they should be better recognized.”