Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View, expressed concern for the LGBTQ+ community following the emergence of a past statement made by the newly elected pope.
On Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first American to ascend to the papacy, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Viewed as a compromise between the traditional and progressive wings of the Roman Catholic Church, he has voiced support for maintaining doctrinal traditions while also advocating for workers and the poor. Though some liberal commentators have welcomed his election, others remain cautious, questioning how closely his values align with more progressive beliefs.
“As a devout Catholic, I always find the process of the conclave fascinating—the symbolism of the white and black smoke, the ceremony of it all,” Hostin said. “Especially in these challenging times, we need spiritual leadership. But I do have some concerns about what this choice might mean for the LGBTQ+ community.”
“The View” co-host voiced her concern about Pope Leo XIV, citing a past statement of his about the LGBTQ+ community.
“In a 2012 address to bishops, he criticized aspects of popular culture that, in his words, showed ‘sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,’” she said. “He specifically mentioned the ‘homosexual lifestyle’ and ‘alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.’”
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Pope Francis, Hostin added, “I think Pope Francis made significant strides in welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, even extending blessings to them. I just hope this new pope doesn’t reverse that progress—”
Before she could finish, several co-hosts chimed in. Ana Navarro, also a Catholic, pointed to the context and timing of the 2012 remarks.
“In 2012, even many American politicians who are now openly supportive of same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights weren’t back then,” Navarro noted. “Maybe with the weight of the papacy, he’ll evolve. His first message from the balcony included words about love and inclusivity, so until we see otherwise, we should pray and hope he continues in Pope Francis’ path—being inclusive, compassionate, and a voice for the marginalized.”
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane (REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane)
Pope Leo XIV has also voiced strong opposition to gender ideology. In a past interview with a local news outlet, he reportedly stated, “The promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don’t exist.”
While the late Pope Francis was widely praised for reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community—offering blessings and signaling greater openness—he, too, expressed concerns about gender ideology, once describing it as “the ugliest danger” facing society today.
