The LGTBI+ group Crismhom is seeking a direct dialogue with Pope León XIV during his upcoming pastoral visit to Spain [1].
This request highlights the ongoing tension and the desire for inclusion among Catholic communities that have historically faced exclusion from the Church's highest levels of leadership.
Crismhom, based in Madrid, is calling for a formal meeting to discuss the role of LGTBI+ individuals within the faith. The group has been advocating for a consistent dialogue with the Catholic Church for 20 years [1]. Spokesperson Javier Jiménez Bas is leading the effort to ensure that the marginalized voices of the community are heard during the pontiff's stay.
The Pope's itinerary includes various meetings with Catholic communities across the country. While the primary focus remains in Madrid, the visit will also include events in Las Palmas and Tenerife [1, 2].
Organizers previously noted there were 15 days remaining until the Pope's arrival in late May 2026 [2]. The visit is framed as a pastoral mission to engage with the diverse landscape of the Spanish church. Crismhom views this window of opportunity as a critical moment to move beyond symbolic gestures and establish a concrete channel of communication.
Jiménez Bas said the group is questioning whether they have been invited to a direct dialogue. The organization continues to push for a recognition of their presence, and their spiritual needs, within the ecclesiastical structure [1].
The request for a meeting comes as the Vatican navigates complex internal discussions regarding pastoral care for LGTBI+ Catholics. By seeking a direct encounter, Crismhom aims to challenge the historical silence and exclusion that has defined the relationship between the hierarchy and the LGTBI+ community in Spain [1].
“Crismhom has been advocating for dialogue with the Catholic Church for 20 years.”
This push for dialogue reflects a broader global movement within the Catholic Church to reconcile traditional doctrine with the lived experiences of LGTBI+ believers. If the Pope grants this meeting, it would signal a shift toward a more inclusive pastoral approach in Spain; a refusal would likely reinforce the perception of systemic exclusion maintained by the Church hierarchy.
