Italian publications reported that Pope Francis allegedly used an anti-LGBTQ+ slur during a discussion with bishops over admitting gay men into seminaries, The Guardian noted. Subsequently, the pope apologized on May 28 after he was quoted using the vulgar term, the AP reported.
“The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
The 87-year-old pontiff reportedly made the remark during a recent closed-door meeting with bishops in Rome. They discussed if openly gay men should be admitted to Catholic seminaries, where priests are trained.
The pope allegedly reiterated his objection to admitting gay men, saying that while it was important to embrace everyone, it was likely that a gay person could risk leading a double life. He then supposedly added that there was already too much “frociaggine”—an Italian word that roughly translates as “faggotness”—in some seminaries.
La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera and Adnkronos quoted unnamed bishops who said that the pontiff meant the derogatory term as a “joke” and that the use of the slur surprised and confused those around the pontiff. One bishop told Corriere della Sera that the pope was possibly unaware that the term was offensive.
Since being elected pope in 2013, Francis has sought to adopt a more inclusive tone toward the LGBTQ+ community. However, he has been adamant about not allowing gay people to join the clergy.