ALBAWABA - The Vatican's newly elected Pope Leo XIV recently went viral on social media after users noticed that he reportedly ignored the LGBTQ pride flag during a public appearance. His actions sparked debate and speculation on social media.
The video flooded social media and garnered millions of views across several platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. An X user pointed out that the flag in the video wasn't the LGBTQ flag, after noticing the word "PACE" printed on it in white. The X user wrote, "It’s not a LGBTQ flag it’s a peace flag from Italy."
Another took to Pope Leo's defense and wrote, "It doesn't look like he intentionally ignored it. It looks like he did not see it."
Did Pope Leo XIV ignore the LGBTQ pride flag?
Others praised the Pope due to Catholic values and how Christianity prohibits homosexual relationships.
The "PACE" rainbow flag was used during a peace march in Italy in 1961 to protest the use of nuclear weapons. On a similar note, it was also raised in a 2002 peace campaign to protest against he war in Iraq.
The "PACE" flag differentiates from the Pride flag in several ways, including their stripes, color order, and motivation. One represents the gay and lesbian movement, while the other stands for peace.
Pope Leo XIV was elected by the Vatican at the 2025 papal conclave on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, making him the first American to become the pope.
