Cardinal Mueller called the "LGBT pilgrimage" in Rome blasphemy and propaganda

The former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Gerhard Müller, has strongly criticized the “LGBT Jubilee Pilgrimage” in Rome, calling it a “desecration of the temple of God” and sacrilege. In an interview, he said that such events are propaganda of anti-Christian ideology, directed against the Church’s teaching on marriage and family. About it reports kath.net.

The reaction of the Cardinal caused the pilgrimage, during which the participants passed through the Holy Gates of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Particular indignation caused a photo of two men holding hands, one of whom had a backpack with the inscription “To hell with the rules”. Cardinal Muller said these men had “misused the Catholic faith and the symbol of the Holy Gate – Jesus Christ – for propaganda purposes,” living in “open contradiction to the will of the Creator.” He likened the event to a “propaganda show,” saying the participants “insulted the Church of God with obscene gestures and their lifestyle.”

Cardinal Müller also reiterated that he considers the passage through the Holy Gates in such a context an unqualified sacrilege. He extended this assessment to the blessing of same-sex couples, mentioning the declaration of Fiducia Supplicans. In his opinion, such actions “are in total contradiction with the word of God and Catholic teaching.” He emphasized that this ideology is not aimed at helping people, but “promotes an anti-Christian ideology that attacks the concept of marriage and family – father, mother and children.”

The interview also discussed Pope Francis’ meeting with one of the pilgrimage organizers, priest James Martin. Cardinal Muller noted that previous pontiffs, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, were aware that such photos could be used to create a false impression of the pope’s support for anti-Christian ideas. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the current pontiff “is well aware of what is going on and will not allow himself to be instrumentalized so easily.”

Summarizing, Cardinal Müller took an uncompromising stance: “As a dogmatist, I do not want to be diplomatic. The Catholic Church must proclaim the truth, but also refute lies.” He stated that there can be no compromise between truth and falsehood, and the Church’s task is to follow the Word of God, not to try to overcome “ideological polarization” with concessions. He cited St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis as examples of true Christian life.

As a reminder, on September 6, 2025, in the Shrine of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in Rome, representatives of the RCC celebrated Mass for homosexual Catholics. The event was held “with the blessing” of Pope Leo XIV and gathered about 1200 participants. The Mass was led by Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.