Pope Francis endeavored to create a more inclusive environment for transgender and LGBTQ individuals within the Catholic Church, sparking controversy among traditional conservatives due to his critique of gender ideology. While maintaining traditional Catholic stances in official documents, his actions often conveyed a more progressive stance, notably by stating that being homosexual is not a crime and denouncing the criminalization of homosexuality as unjust. In 2023, he supported the Vatican's guidance allowing priests to bless same-sex couples individually, emphasizing the Church's proximity to all individuals seeking blessings. His papacy also saw the Vatican permitting the baptism and godparent roles for transgender individuals, provided it did not cause confusion or scandal. Despite these inclusive measures, Francis criticized gender ideology as a dangerous colonization that threatens human diversity and the richness of differences among people.

Pope Francis aimed to make the Catholic Church more welcoming to transgender and LGBTQ individuals, challenging traditional conservative views, while simultaneously criticizing what he described as 'dangerous' gender ideology.

His official documents adhered to traditional Catholic teachings on gender and sexuality, yet his public statements and actions often suggested a more open and inclusive approach, as exemplified by his assertion that homosexuality is not a crime.

In 2023, Pope Francis backed a controversial Vatican document, Fiducia Supplicans, which provided guidance for priests to bless same-sex couples, focusing on individuals rather than the union itself, and promoting the Church's closeness to all people seeking blessings.

The Vatican, under his leadership, also ruled that transgender individuals could be baptized and serve as godparents, as long as their involvement did not lead to confusion or scandal within the Church.

Pope Francis frequently highlighted the dangers of gender ideology, viewing it as a form of ideological colonization that dilutes human differences and undermines the rich diversity that defines humanity.

His papacy was marked by a notable instance where he hosted transgender women at a Vatican luncheon, forming a supportive relationship with them during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his commitment to aiding marginalized groups.

Despite his progressive actions towards inclusion, Francis maintained that gender ideology erases the distinctiveness and richness of human diversity, emphasizing the importance of differences in defining human identity and vocation.