Pope holds audience for same-sex couple at the Vatican

Alex Capecelatro and his "husband" Brian Stevens meet with Pope Leo. Photo: Alex Capecelatro/Facebook

On November 5, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held a private audience at the Vatican for two men in a same-sex “marriage,” one of whom is the founder of an artificial-intelligence company. The meeting took place during the visit of a delegation led by the Archbishop of Los Angeles. The report comes from UOJ USA.

According to publications, the participants of the audience were AI entrepreneur Alex Capecelatro and his partner Brian D. Stevens. “When Brian told the pope that we are married, we both felt that we were received with warmth and kindness,” wrote Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai, on Facebook. He also posted photographs taken during the meeting, which, as noted, was arranged by Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles.

During the conversation, the men mentioned the work of Jesuit James Martin, known for his support of LGBT communities. According to Capecelatro, the pope responded with an approving nod.

It is noted that this episode fits into a broader direction of the pontificate, reflected also in recent personnel decisions. Earlier, the Vatican announced the appointment of a bishop involved in LGBT initiatives as a consultant to the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Pope Leo XIV would host a charity luncheon with trans activists.

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