The election of a new pope—one with multiracial ancestry and a commitment to the teachings of St. Augustine—marks a powerful moment not just for Villanovans and Catholics, but for all who believe in a more just and inclusive world.
Pope Leo’s papacy, and his decision to take the name of a pope rooted in defending human rights and advocating for social justice, gives me—a Villanova alumna who was taught to ignite positive change—hope. Hope that he’ll walk the same courageous path and legacy of acceptance as Pope Francis. Hope that he’ll make space for everyone, especially those who’ve too often been left out and harmed—like LGBTQ+ young people, who are among the most vulnerable and targeted in our world today.
From studying under Chilean poet Dr. Carlos Trujillo—also known by his pen name Lope Sin Pega—to participating in volunteer trips in the U.S. and abroad, my Villanova experience made one thing abundantly clear: serving humanity is not just a calling. It’s a responsibility, especially when in service to those pushed to the margins.
Right now, LGBTQ+ young people are facing some of the harshest and targeted attacks in decades. According to research from Born This Way Foundation and Hopelab, nearly half of LGBTQ+ young people show signs of depression. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Even more troubling, 57% of all trans and gender expansive young people have been mocked or made fun of by their own families. Their mental health struggles are not the result of their identities—they’re a response to the stigma, rejection, and hostility they face. A 2023 Nature study confirmed that anti-LGBTQ+ policies are directly linked to higher suicide rates among queer young people, underscoring just how dangerous these recent changes could be.
Villanova University’s teachings are rooted in the principles of St. Augustine, particularly the values of Veritas (Truth), Unitas (Unity), and Caritas (Love). These aren’t just words carved into stone or printed on our diplomas—they’re principles we’re called to live by. St. Augustine inspires a call to “become what you are not yet,” a call that reminds us that personal and spiritual growth is a journey. That journey includes evolving to embrace the freedom to love whom you choose. That truth is not a threat to our faith—it’s an important part of it.
Unfortunately, many religious communities, including Catholic ones, have too often chosen silence—or worse, condemnation—when it comes to people in same-sex relationships or who identify as LGBTQ+. That rejection goes against our Augustinian teachings. Now Pope Leo has a chance to show how St. Augustine’s principles extend to the many people who identify as LGBTQ+.
We can choose a path rooted in truth, compassion, and evidence. LGBTQ+ young people simply want to feel safe and supported in their communities. They report that the presence of a trusted adult improves self-esteem, and studies also show that supportive peer relationships help prevent depression and anxiety, especially for those may face rejection at home. And of course, family acceptance and support of LGBTQ+ young people is one of the strongest predictors of a young person’s mental health and wellbeing.
Instead of embracing anti-LGBTQ+ policies, practices, and rhetoric, the pope should promote acceptance and advocate for education that teaches peers, trusted adults, and family members how to support LGBTQ+ young people. Policies that promote belonging, love, and inclusion don’t just benefit LGBTQ+ young people—they create safer, healthier environments for everyone. And we need them more than ever.
This is not about abandoning traditional teachings on marriage and sexuality. It’s about expanding our understanding and acceptance of it as Pope Francis did. As Robert Prevost, Pope Leo may have made negative remarks about the LGBTQ+ community in the past. Yet in all spiritual journeys, tradition evolves, expanding to meet the needs of the people it serves. If the pope is true to his Augustinian teachings, then perhaps he too believes—as his social media account suggests—that our faith doesn’t diminish when we choose to welcome others. It becomes stronger. Perhaps his beliefs about LGBTQ+ can evolve to welcome more love into the church.
At a time when government leaders are failing to meet the basic needs of many—turning their backs on marginalized communities by dismantling social services, defunding science, and politicizing the existence of those most vulnerable—we need moral leaders who will step up where others have stepped away. We need voices that offer not judgment, but justice. Not exclusion, but embrace.
Villanova teaches its students to serve with truth, unity, and love without exception. That includes LGBTQ+ young people. Its alumnus, our first American pope, was shaped by the same Augustinian tradition. I hope and believe that Pope Leo will bring light where it’s needed most.