The Pope has reportedly used a derogatory term towards gay men during a private meeting with bishops, where he reiterated his stance that they should not be allowed to become priests. Italian media outlets, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, have reported that Pope Francis made the offensive remark in a closed-door meeting with bishops, referring to priesthood colleges as already too full of “frociaggine” – a highly offensive Italian slur.
The incident is said to have taken place on 20 May during a private meeting with the Italian Bishops Conference. While the Vatican has not commented on the reports, several sources have confirmed the Pope’s use of the offensive term. The Pope, who has been credited with leading the Roman Catholic Church towards a more welcoming approach to the LGBT+ community, has sparked controversy with his recent comments.
Despite his previous statements indicating a more tolerant attitude towards the LGBT+ community, the Pope’s use of derogatory language has caused embarrassment within the Vatican and raised concerns that his previous efforts may have been undone. The reports suggest that there is fear that the Pope’s crude language could overshadow the progress made in promoting inclusivity within the Church.
The incident has reignited debates about the Church’s stance on homosexuality and the admission of gay men into the priesthood. While some conservative followers have expressed outrage over the Pope’s previous actions, the recent reports have added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions within the Catholic Church.