Belgium’s new ambassador to the Holy See has formally begun her Vatican post after a diplomatic career that included public support for LGBT-related initiatives and participation in Pride events.
Caroline Vermeulen presented her credentials to Pope Leo XIV on August 27 at the Apostolic Palace, according to information published by the Holy See Press Office and reported by LifeSiteNews.
The Vatican confirmed the audience and released biographical information, but it did not disclose details of the conversation. The Vatican material cited in the report also did not reference Vermeulen’s past involvement in gender-policy or LGBT-related advocacy.
A record of public advocacy
Before taking up the Holy See post, Vermeulen served in Vienna from 2022 to 2026. LifeSiteNews reported that during that period she participated in Vienna Pride events as part of the Diplomats for Equality contingent and as Belgium’s ambassador in the city.
According to the report, she took part in Pride marches on June 17, 2023, and June 14, 2026, in support of the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Her involvement was not limited to marches. LifeSiteNews reported that Belgium’s diplomatic representation in Vienna joined a Diplomats for Equality Vienna statement on May 17, 2026, marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The statement affirmed the “equality and dignity of LGBTI people.”
Vermeulen also promoted a June 21, 2024, screening of the Belgian film Girl during Pride Month alongside Carl Hallergård, then the European Union ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, according to the report. The 2018 film, directed by Lukas Dhont, follows a 15-year-old boy who identifies as female and seeks to become a ballet dancer.
Gender network profile
LifeSiteNews also pointed to Vermeulen’s profile with International Gender Champions, a network that includes diplomatic missions, international organizations, and other institutions focused on gender equality.
“Diversity, including gender diversity, in a professional environment improves the quality and results of teamwork,” the profile states, according to LifeSiteNews. “Empowering women through professional mentoring is a vital step toward gender equality. When we invest in women’s growth and stand firm against gender-based biases, we build a future where every woman is empowered to thrive and reach her full potential.”
Belgium’s policy backdrop
The appointment comes against the backdrop of Belgian laws that conflict with Catholic teaching on life and human sexuality.
LifeSiteNews cited the French outlet Tribune Chrétienne, which noted that Belgium was the second European country to adopt legislation on euthanasia and legal recognition of gender identification.
Belgium legalized euthanasia in 2002. In 2014, it removed an explicit age limit for euthanasia under specified conditions for minors. Belgian law also permits a person to change the officially registered sex through a procedure described in the source report as based mostly on self-identification and without medical requirements.
