In September 2025, the Vatican hosted a historic event as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope: an officially recognized pilgrimage of over 1,400 LGBTQIA+ Catholics and their supporters. This marked the first time an LGBTQIA+ pilgrimage was included in the Vatican’s official Jubilee calendar, a significant milestone for a community that has long felt marginalized within the Catholic Church. The pilgrimage, which included prayer vigils, a Mass, and a procession through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, was celebrated by some as a sign of growing acceptance and inclusion, while others viewed it as a departure from traditional Catholic teachings. The event sparked intense debate, particularly on social media, with some Catholics expressing outrage over displays of pride colors, immodest attire, and a controversial t-shirt bearing the phrase “fck the rules.” This article explores the reasons behind the pilgrimage, the role of Father James Martin, the reactions from Catholics, the enforcement of the Vatican’s dress code, and the broader theological implications of welcoming marginalized communities while upholding Church doctrine.
Why the Pilgrimage Happened
The 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” is a significant event in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years to encourage prayer, repentance, and pilgrimages to holy sites. During a Jubilee, pilgrims pass through designated “Holy Doors” at St. Peter’s Basilica and other major basilicas, symbolizing forgiveness and reconciliation. The inclusion of an LGBTQIA+ pilgrimage in the Vatican’s official calendar was a historic step, reflecting a shift in the Church’s pastoral approach under Pope Francis and his successor, Pope Leo XIV.
The pilgrimage was organized primarily by La Tenda di Gionata (Jonathan’s Tent), an Italian LGBTQIA+ Catholic advocacy group, with participation from international organizations such as DignityUSA, New Ways Ministry, and Outreach, a U.S.-based ministry led by Father James Martin. The event was listed on the Vatican’s general calendar, which caused some initial controversy when it was briefly removed before being reinstated. Vatican officials, including spokeswoman Agnese Palmucci, clarified that the listing was logistical, not an endorsement, ensuring that all groups had access to the Holy Door during the busy Jubilee season.
The roots of this pilgrimage can be traced to the papacy of Pope Francis (2013–2025), who made significant strides in fostering a more welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ Catholics. His famous 2013 remark, “Who am I to judge?” about gay priests, set a new tone for the Church’s engagement with the community. Francis supported civil unions for same-sex couples, authorized blessings for same-sex couples under specific conditions, and met with LGBTQIA+ advocates, including transgender individuals. These gestures, while not altering Church doctrine, which holds that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered,” signaled a pastoral shift toward inclusion and mercy.
The 2025 pilgrimage was a culmination of these efforts, reflecting years of dialogue between advocacy groups and Vatican officials. Organizers like Alessandro Previti of Jonathan’s Tent noted that the event was planned during Francis’ pontificate, with support from key figures such as Archbishop Rino Fisichella, head of Holy Year events, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. The pilgrimage included a vigil service at the Church of the Gesù, a Mass celebrated by Bishop Francesco Savino, and the procession through the Holy Door, symbolizing the Church’s openness to all pilgrims, regardless of identity.
Father James Martin’s Involvement
Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor-at-large at America Magazine, played a prominent role in the pilgrimage. A leading advocate for LGBTQIA+ Catholics, Martin has long worked to bridge the gap between the Church and the community. His 2017 book, Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity, laid the groundwork for his ministry, which emphasizes dialogue and inclusion. In 2021, he founded Outreach, a resource center for LGBTQIA+ Catholics, in partnership with America Media.
Martin’s involvement in the pilgrimage was multifaceted. He led a group of approximately 40 pilgrims from Outreach, participated in a panel discussion at the Jesuit headquarters near St. Peter’s Square, and spoke at the vigil service at the Church of the Gesù. His presence was particularly significant due to his private audience with Pope Leo XIV on September 1, 2025, in the Apostolic Palace. During this half-hour meeting, Martin reported that Pope Leo expressed a desire to continue Pope Francis’ approach of openness and welcome toward LGBTQIA+ Catholics. Martin described the encounter as “consoling and encouraging,” noting that Pope Leo, the first American pope, affirmed his ministry and emphasized synodality—a Church that listens to all, including those on the margins.
Martin’s role extended to social media, where he actively shared updates about the pilgrimage. On September 5, he posted about the standing-room-only vigil service, describing an “immense” crowd of about 1,200 people. The following day, he highlighted Bishop Savino’s Mass, noting the bishop’s warm reception and the applause that interrupted his homily. Martin’s visibility and endorsements from both Pope Francis and Pope Leo have made him a polarizing figure, celebrated by progressive Catholics but criticized by conservatives who view his ministry as compromising Church teachings.
Catholic Reactions on Social Media
The pilgrimage elicited a wide range of reactions from Catholics on social media platforms, particularly X, reflecting the deep divisions within the Church on issues of sexuality and inclusion. Progressive Catholics and LGBTQIA+ advocates celebrated the event as a historic moment of acceptance. For example, Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, contrasted the 2025 pilgrimage with the Vatican’s hostility toward the 2000 WorldPride event in Rome, noting a “sea change” in the Church’s approach. Pilgrims like Justin del Rosario, who carried a crucifix through the Holy Door with his male partner, expressed profound emotional connections, describing the experience as “touching the hand of God.”
However, conservative Catholics voiced strong opposition, particularly over the visible displays of pride symbols, such as rainbow crosses and attire. Some criticized the pilgrimage as an affront to Church tradition, arguing that it appeared to affirm lifestyles contrary to Catholic moral teaching. A post from the account @Protestia in June 2025, while not directly addressing the pilgrimage, condemned Father Martin’s advocacy for celebrating Pride Month, reflecting broader conservative sentiment. Critics pointed to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which teaches that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered” and that marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman.
The most contentious issue was the attire of some pilgrims, particularly reports of gay men wearing shorts and other clothing deemed immodest by traditional standards. St. Peter’s Basilica enforces a strict dress code, requiring shoulders and knees to be covered as a sign of respect for the sacred space. Photos circulating on social media showed some male pilgrims in shorts, which sparked outrage among conservative Catholics who viewed this as disrespectful. Even more controversial was an image of a man wearing a t-shirt with the phrase “fck the rules,” a vulgar display that many felt desecrated the sanctity of the basilica.
Social media posts amplified these concerns, with some users questioning the absence of ushers, who are typically stationed at St. Peter’s to enforce the dress code. Comments on X and other platforms expressed frustration, with phrases like “Where were the ushers?” and “This is a mockery of our faith.” Conservative outlets, such as Charisma Magazine, framed the pilgrimage as evidence of “apostasy” in the Church, warning that it could lead to a broader erosion of Christian values.
The Vatican’s Dress Code and the Absence of Ushers
The Vatican’s dress code for St. Peter’s Basilica is well-documented and strictly enforced. Visitors are required to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and signs at the entrance clearly outline these expectations. Ushers, often members of the Vatican’s security or lay staff, are tasked with ensuring compliance, politely turning away those who do not meet the standards. The presence of pilgrims in shorts and the man wearing the “fck the rules” t-shirt raised significant questions about how such attire was permitted in the basilica.
Several factors may explain this lapse. The Jubilee Year attracts millions of pilgrims—32 million were expected in 2025—creating logistical challenges for Vatican staff. The sheer volume of visitors may have overwhelmed ushers, particularly during a high-profile event like the LGBTQIA+ pilgrimage, which drew over 1,400 participants. Additionally, the pilgrimage’s inclusion in the official calendar may have led to a more permissive approach, as organizers had coordinated with Vatican officials to ensure access to the Holy Door. It’s possible that ushers, aware of the event’s significance, hesitated to intervene to avoid appearing exclusionary, especially given the Church’s recent emphasis on welcoming marginalized groups.
However, the lack of enforcement sparked significant backlash. Conservative Catholics argued that allowing immodest attire and vulgar slogans undermined the sacredness of St. Peter’s Basilica, a symbol of the universal Church. Some speculated that the Vatican’s desire to project an image of inclusivity may have led to a relaxation of standards, though no official statement confirmed this. The incident highlighted the tension between pastoral outreach and maintaining traditional norms, a recurring theme in the Church’s engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Outrage Over Pride Colors and Displays
The display of pride colors, including rainbow crosses and attire, was a focal point of outrage for many Catholics. The rainbow flag, widely recognized as a symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride, was seen by critics as incompatible with Catholic teaching on sexuality. A Charisma Magazine article described the acceptance of a rainbow cross in St. Peter’s Basilica as evidence of the Church “drifting” from biblical principles, arguing that it affirmed lifestyles that Scripture deems sinful. Social media posts echoed this sentiment, with users labeling the pilgrimage a “scandal” and accusing the Vatican of endorsing homosexuality by allowing such symbols in a sacred space.
This outrage reflects a broader theological divide. Traditionalists argue that the Church must uphold its moral teachings, which view homosexual acts as sinful and marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman. They fear that visible displays of pride colors signal a departure from these doctrines, potentially confusing the faithful. Some pointed to Pope Francis’ 2023 decree allowing blessings for same-sex couples as a precursor to the pilgrimage, arguing that it opened the door to further liberalization.
On the other hand, supporters of the pilgrimage viewed the pride colors as expressions of identity and faith, not defiance. Pilgrims like Victoria Rodriguez, a transgender Catholic woman from Spain, spoke of the spiritual significance of being recognized as part of the Church. The rainbow cross, carried by pilgrims like Andrea Mattei, symbolized a reclaimed identity as children of God, not a rejection of Church teaching. Organizers emphasized that the pilgrimage was about inclusion and reconciliation, not a demand for doctrinal change.
The Church as a Field Hospital
Pope Francis often described the Church as a “field hospital,” a metaphor that captures its mission to heal and welcome those who are wounded or marginalized. He stated, “I see the Church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol or diabetes. You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else.” This imagery resonates with the 2025 LGBTQIA+ pilgrimage, which brought together individuals who have often felt excluded from the Church. The event’s inclusion in the Jubilee calendar reflects this pastoral approach, prioritizing welcome over judgment.
Field hospitals, by their nature, can get messy. They are places of urgency, where the immediate needs of the wounded take precedence over order and protocol. The Vatican’s decision to allow the pilgrimage, despite the presence of pride colors and instances of immodest attire, can be seen as an acknowledgment of this messiness. By opening the Holy Door to LGBTQIA+ pilgrims, the Church signaled a willingness to meet people where they are, as Pope Francis often advocated. This approach aligns with his emphasis on synodality—a Church that listens to all voices, including those on the margins.
However, the Church’s mission as a field hospital does not end with welcome. Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11) provides a model: He showed mercy, saying, “Neither do I condemn you,” but also called her to “go and sin no more.” This balance of mercy and repentance is central to Catholic teaching. The Vatican cannot validate or endorse homosexuality, as it contradicts the Church’s understanding of human sexuality as ordered toward marriage and procreation. The pilgrimage, while a gesture of inclusion, was not an affirmation of LGBTQIA+ lifestyles but an invitation to encounter Christ’s mercy.
Meeting People Where They Are, Calling Them to Conversion
The tension between mercy and repentance lies at the heart of the Church’s pastoral mission. Pope Francis’ approach, continued by Pope Leo XIV, emphasizes meeting people where they are—acknowledging their struggles, identities, and experiences without immediate judgment. The LGBTQIA+ pilgrimage embodied this principle, offering a space for pilgrims to express their faith and identities within the Church. Testimonies from the vigil service, such as those from gay couples and the mother of a transgender child, highlighted the pain of rejection and the hope of inclusion.
Yet, the Church’s mission extends beyond welcome to transformation. Catholic teaching calls all individuals to repentance and conversion, aligning their lives with God’s will. For LGBTQIA+ Catholics, this means navigating the Church’s teachings on chastity and sexuality, which can be a challenging and deeply personal journey. The pilgrimage did not signal a change in doctrine but rather an opportunity for dialogue and encounter. As Father Martin noted, Pope Leo’s message was one of continuity with Francis’ approach, emphasizing welcome while upholding the Church’s moral framework.
The controversy over the pilgrimage underscores the difficulty of balancing these priorities. Conservative critics argue that the Church risks appearing to condone sin by allowing pride symbols and lax dress code enforcement. Supporters, however, see the event as a step toward healing wounds and building bridges, trusting that encounter with the Church will lead to deeper conversion over time. The challenge for the Vatican is to maintain this balance, ensuring that gestures of mercy do not obscure the call to holiness.
Conclusion
The 2025 LGBTQIA+ Jubilee Pilgrimage was a historic moment for the Catholic Church, reflecting a shift toward greater inclusion under the papacies of Francis and Leo XIV. Father James Martin’s involvement highlighted the Church’s commitment to dialogue with the LGBTQIA+ community, while the event’s inclusion in the Vatican’s calendar signaled a logistical and pastoral openness. However, the pilgrimage also sparked controversy, with social media amplifying outrage over pride colors, immodest attire, and a vulgar t-shirt. The lapse in dress code enforcement raised questions about the Vatican’s priorities during a busy Jubilee Year, while the broader debate revealed deep divisions among Catholics.
The Church’s role as a “field hospital” allows for messiness, as it seeks to meet people where they are. The pilgrimage embodied this mission, welcoming a marginalized community while inviting them to encounter Christ’s mercy. Yet, the Church’s call to repentance and conversion remains unchanged, as it cannot endorse lifestyles contrary to its teachings. The challenge moving forward is to continue this delicate balance, offering love and welcome while guiding all toward holiness. The 2025 pilgrimage, with its triumphs and controversies, is a testament to the Church’s ongoing journey to live out this mission in a complex and divided world.
Sources
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- Pope Francis, “Evangelii Gaudium,” 2013.
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