Pope Francis, who made history as the first pope elected from the Americas and who for more than a decade urged Catholics to live out the Gospel in ways that are inclusive and welcoming, died on April 21, 2025, at age 88.
Below are a number of reflections on the life and ministry of Pope Francis, who made outreach to the LGBTQ community a hallmark of his papacy, as well as archival content from Outreach related his to pontificate.
Outreach reflects on Pope Francis
- James Martin, SJ: How Francis changed the lives of countless LGBTQ people—and mine
- Michael J. O’Loughlin: How Pope Francis encouraged LGBTQ Catholics to share our stories
From the Outreach archives
Pope Francis had offered support to Outreach, in letters and other communications, since its founding in 2022.
- Pope Francis “united in prayer” with Outreach LGBTQ Catholic conference (Aug. 2024)
- Pope Francis sends greetings to Outreach conference for LGBTQ Catholics (June 2023)
- Pope Francis clarifies comments on homosexuality: “One must consider the circumstances.” (Jan. 2023)
- In new letter to Outreach, Pope Francis calls Catholics to foster a “culture of encounter” (Aug. 2022)
- A mini-interview with Pope Francis (May 2022)
Pope Francis met with Outreach founder James Martin, S.J., several times, and Francis praised Father Martin’s ministry to the LGBTQ Catholic community.
- Pope Francis discusses LGBTQ Catholics with Father James Martin in private Vatican audience (Nov. 2022)
- Pope Francis praises Father James Martin during audience with Vatican communicators (Nov. 2022)
Several articles, essays and reflections published at Outreach explored Pope Francis and the LGBTQ Catholic community.
- Christine Zuba: How meeting Pope Francis gave hope to four Catholic transgender women (Sept. 2024)
- Rev. Bryan Massingale: We need more than an apology for Pope Francis’s homophobic slur (June 2024)
- Lisa Sowle Cahill: LGBTQ People, the Synod and Blessing Same-Sex Couples (Jan. 2024)
- Michael J. O’Loughlin: Vatican condemnation of “gender theory” a moment of whiplash for LGBTQ Catholics (Apr. 2024)
- Christine Zuba: Vatican document permitting transgender people to serve as godparents “extraordinary” (Nov. 2023)
- Michael J. O’Loughlin: LGBTQ Catholics hail Pope Francis’ welcome, but hope for change (Mar. 2023)
- James Martin, S.J.: The Vatican’s declaration on same-sex blessings is a huge step forward for LGBTQ Catholics (Jan. 2023)
