Pope Leo XIV appoints four bishops with LGBTQ-friendly records

Pope Leo XIV has appointed four bishops noted for their openness to LGBTQ ministry and progressive stances. These appointments include James Checchio as the Archbishop of New Orleans, Ramón Bejarano as the Bishop of Monterrey, California, Christian Würtz as the Bishop of Eichstätt in Germany, and Thomas Hennen as the Bishop of Baker, Oregon.

Bishop Bejarano previously served as an auxiliary bishop in San Diego, where he supported LGBTQ+ ministries and participated in an “All are Welcome” Pride Mass. Bishop Hennen brings a decade of experience in LGBTQ ministry to his role in Oregon. In Germany, Bishop Würtz has supported resolutions regarding blessings for same-sex couples.

Observers suggest these appointments may influence the direction of the Church, particularly as dioceses prepare for evaluation assemblies in early 2027 as part of implementation processes.