Pope Leo XIV Appoints Two Archbishops in the U.S. Reflecting Francis’s LGBTQ+ Openness
Pope Leo XIV has appointed two new archbishops in the United States whose backgrounds reflect a more open and understanding attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community.
In a move that has generated positive expectations, the Holy Father has appointed James Golka as the new archbishop of Denver, a designation suggesting a shift toward greater inclusion within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Golka is recognized for a more favorable stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals compared to his predecessor.
Similarly, in February, Pope Leo XIV chose James Checchio to lead the Archdiocese of New Orleans, succeeding Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Unlike Denver, Aymond maintained a positive attitude toward LGBTQ+ issues during his tenure, even offering a public apology to the queer community for the lack of support from his predecessor, Archbishop Philip Hannan, after the 1973 arson attack on a gay nightclub that caused 32 deaths—the deadliest mass killing of LGBTQ+ people in U.S. history.
The new archbishop Checchio, who had previously led the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey, does not have as prominent public statements on this matter, but there are indications he supports pastoral work with the LGBTQ+ community. Before "synodality" became a common term at the Vatican and before LGBTQ+ issues were widely discussed in synods, the Diocese of Metuchen held a local synod emphasizing the need to deepen outreach to this community.
Within this diocese, which comprises 75 parishes, at least two are known for welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals: the Sacred Heart parish in South Plainfield and Saint Joseph parish in Hillsborough. Although the number might seem small, it represents a significant proportional advance.
¿Nos ayudas? ¿un café?During his time in Metuchen, Checchio showed support for LGBTQ+ pastoral care by participating in an event organized by Sacred Heart parish in 2016, just months after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, which left 49 dead and 58 wounded—a tragedy that deeply affected the global LGBTQ+ community. David Harvie, leader of this ministry, recalled in 2017 that the then-bishop "stayed and spoke with every person—he made an effort to get to know them. In times of healing, that meant a lot to many of our members."
When Checchio’s appointment to New Orleans was announced, the Diocese of Metuchen highlighted that one of his pastoral priorities had been visiting parishes and listening to the faithful. If he maintains this approach in his new role and pays attention to LGBTQ+ voices, Checchio could solidify himself as a worthy successor to Aymond.
Both Golka and Checchio were ordained as bishops by Pope Francis, known for his openness toward the LGBTQ+ community. The promotion of these prelates indicates that this trend continues to grow within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. It is especially notable that, in previous pontificates, a favorable attitude toward LGBTQ+ individuals often hindered advancement to episcopal offices, whereas now it appears to be an added value.
Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry commented on March 4, 2026, that these appointments reflect a remarkable change in the contemporary Church, where inclusion and respect for sexual diversity are beginning to be recognized as positive qualities in its leaders.
