A video of Pope Leo XIV walking through a crowd has sparked controversy on social media, with many users claiming the newly elected pontiff deliberately ignored an LGBTQ+ rainbow flag by turning away as he approached it. The video, captured during a public procession, has led to speculation about the Pope’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
Social Media Posts
Posts on platforms like Facebook and X feature a short clip in which Pope Leo XIV walks past a rainbow-colored flag, appearing to shift his gaze or turn his head. These posts are often accompanied by captions suggesting that the Pope purposely looked away from the flag as a form of silent protest or rejection of the LGBTQ+ community.
Fact-Check
The Flag Was Misidentified
The flag seen in the video is not the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, but the Italian peace flag, which is a symbol long associated with anti-war and peace movements. Unlike the Pride flag, which features six horizontal stripes with no text, the Italian peace flag includes the word “PACE” (Italian for “peace”) in white lettering across the rainbow background.
The Italian peace flag was first used during a peace march in 1961 and gained renewed visibility during the early 2000s through the “Pace da tutti i balconi” (“Peace from Every Balcony”) campaign. (Source)
Despite similar colors, the flags have different stripe orders, different number of bands, and represent completely different causes.
How the “PACE” Flag Differs from the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag
Although both flags feature rainbow stripes, they have distinct designs and meanings:
PACE Flag (Italian Peace Flag)
- Includes the word “PACE” (Italian for “peace”) in white capital letters
- Usually has 7 horizontal stripes: (from top to bottom) purple, blue, azure, green, yellow, orange, red
- Originated in Italy during anti-war peace movements
LGBTQ+ Pride Flag
- No text on the flag
- Typically has 6 horizontal stripes: (from top to bottom) red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet
- Created by Gilbert Baker in 1978 to symbolize LGBTQ+ identity and pride
Looking at the video frames, the flag clearly has white writing on it , which differs from the LGBTQ+ Pride flag that typically does not contain any text.
Image source: Euronews
The rainbow-colored “PEACE” flag, visible in the crowd as Pope Leo XIV greets attendees, is a widely used symbol of peace in Italy, often present at public and religious gatherings. Its resemblance to the LGBTQ+ flag has led to occasional misinterpretation.
No Evidence of Deliberate Avoidance
In his first speech on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV (formerly U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost) spoke from St. Peter’s Basilica about peace and unity. Speaking from the balcony, he began with “Peace be with you” and called for God’s peace to reach everyone. He praised Pope Francis’s legacy and spoke about God’s unconditional love. The new Pope emphasized the importance of dialogue to bring people together and, quoting St. Augustine, said “With you I am a Christian, and for you a bishop.” He described his vision for a Church that welcomes everyone, especially those who are suffering, and ended his speech by asking Mary, Our Lady of Pompeii, to pray for peace and the Church’s mission. (Source: Reuters)
Media coverage of the event shows the Pope following standard protocols for public appearances. His statements and actions during his first appearance maintained consistency with established Vatican procedures and messaging.
New Pope’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Issues
While this specific video was misinterpreted, it has resurfaced broader discussions about Pope Leo XIV’s views on LGBTQ+ rights. Compared to Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV is seen as taking a more traditional stance. He has expressed concerns about the portrayal of same-sex relationships in media, calling such depictions inconsistent with Church teachings.
He maintains opposition to same-sex marriage, adoption by gay couples, and blessing same-sex unions. During the 2023 Synod on Synodality, he participated in respectful dialogue but showed no indication of changing long-standing Church doctrine.
This more conservative approach has drawn attention and some tension from Catholics who had appreciated Pope Francis’s more welcoming tone. However, it is important to distinguish between ongoing doctrinal positions and isolated misinterpretations of public gestures. (Source)
Conclusion
The claim that Pope Leo XIV intentionally ignored an LGBTQ+ rainbow flag is false. The flag in question is the Italian peace flag, which features a different design and serves a different purpose. Analysis of the event shows that the flag was misidentified, and the Pope’s movements during this public appearance were typical of such ceremonies. While both flags incorporate rainbow colors, the Italian peace flag includes distinctive features that set it apart from the LGBTQ+ Pride flag.
Title:Did Pope Leo XIV Intentionally Ignore an LGBTQ+ Rainbow Flag?
Fact Check By: Cielito WangResult: False
