(SE): The upcoming Jubilee Year of 2025 will break new ground by welcoming LGBT pastoral groups into its official calendar, underscoring the Church’s mission to embrace people from all walks of life. This initiative reflects Pope Francis’ ongoing call for a Church that is more inclusive and welcoming in line with the gospel message of love and compassion, zenit.org reported on December 8.
The day dedicated for LGBT-focused pastoral groups is set for 6 September 2025 as part of the Holy Year’s extensive programme of events. Groups such as Tenda di Gionata [Jonathan’s Tent], which promotes the inclusion of LGBT individuals within Christian communities, will join a pilgrimage to the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and participate in an evening vigil and Mass at the Church of the Gesù in Rome.
This initiative is inspired by the late Don David Esposito, founder of Tenda di Gionata, who drew from Isaiah’s vision to “enlarge the tent” [Isaiah 54:2]. The organisation has worked since 2018 to create spaces of support for LGBT individuals and their families, fostering dialogue and reconciliation within the Church.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, vice-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, emphasised that this event is part of the broader jubilee celebrations and serves to reiterate the message. “All are welcome. [This pilgrimage is] on the calendar like many others,” he told the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.
Agnese Palmucci, spokesperson for the dicastery, clarified in comments to Reuters that “these are not activities sponsored” by the Holy See, but reflected the Church’s pastoral mission to accompany all people on their spiritual journey.
The inclusion has received blessings from Pope Francis and Matteo Cardinal Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, signalling high-level support within the Church. The initiative has also sparked a mix of optimism and calls for action among secular LGBT advocacy groups. Gabriele Piazzoni, secretary-general of Arcigay, praised the move as a step toward reducing barriers to spiritual life for LGBT individuals, while others have called on the Church to take more concrete steps such as opposing harmful practices like conversion therapy.
The Jubilee Year, which opens on Christmas Eve 2024 and runs through 6 January 2026, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. Events like the LGBT pastoral day reflect Pope Francis’ vision for a Church that embraces all of humanity with love and understanding, echoing his consistent message of accompaniment and mercy.
For Catholics around the world, this offers an opportunity to reflect on how the Church can extend its pastoral care to marginalised communities while remaining faithful to its mission of proclaiming the Gospel. The universal Church continues to explore ways to embody the spirit of Christ’s inclusive love. The Jubilee Year of 2025 invites all faithful to walk together in unity, witnessing the transformative power of God’s mercy.
