LGBT Supportive Cardinals

LGBT Supportive Cardinals

The Vatican does not publish or track official stances by cardinals on LGBTQ+ issues, and many cardinals tend to express views aligned with official Catholic doctrine, which teaches that while LGBTQ+ individuals should be treated with dignity and respect, same-sex relationships and non-cisgender identities are not affirmed.

However, some cardinals have shown more pastoral openness or have expressed views that may be seen as more compassionate or inclusive toward LGBTQ+ Catholics. These include:

1. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg) – As the Relator General of the Synod on Synodality, he has publicly called for a revision of the Church’s stance on homosexuality, saying it is no longer scientifically or sociologically correct to consider homosexuality a sin.

2. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) – President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference and known for his work in peacebuilding and social justice. He has supported outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and is often compared to Pope Francis in tone and pastoral approach.

3. Cardinal Blase Cupich (USA) – Archbishop of Chicago and viewed as one of the more progressive voices in the U.S. episcopate. He has supported LGBTQ+ ministries and was an early advocate for civil discourse on the topic within the Church.

4. Cardinal Joseph Tobin (USA) – Archbishop of Newark, he welcomed an LGBTQ+ pilgrimage to his cathedral and has called for more compassionate outreach and understanding of gay Catholics.

5. Cardinal Wilton Gregory (USA) – The first African-American cardinal, Gregory has voiced strong support for respect and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the Church, while maintaining the official teachings.

6. Cardinal Reinhard Marx (Germany) – He has called for a reconsideration of Church teaching on sexuality and supported blessings for same-sex couples, a highly controversial stance within the Vatican.