Pope Francis has apologised after reports surfaced that he used extremely derogatory language towards gay men, UK-broadcaster BBC reported citing the director of the Holy See – the Catholic Church’s governing body – Matteo Bruni.
“The Pope never meant to offend or to use homophobic language, and apologises to everyone who felt offended [or] hurt by the use of a word,” Bruni said.
Francis used the word ‘frociaggine’ which translates to an offensive slur which was previously used to denigrate gay men. The Vatican statement said that the Pope did not mean to offend anyone. It said that he apologises to those who were “hurt by the use of a word”.
The word was used when Pope Francis was addressing the Italian Bishops’ Conference where he reportedly said gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood because there was an ‘air of frociaggine’.
The meeting was held privately but Italian news media outlets widely reported the incident.
“Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have come out recently concerning a conversation he had with bishops… behind closed doors,” the statement quoted the director of the Holy See – the Catholic Church’s governing body – Matteo Bruni, as saying.
The statement by the Pope came as a shock because Pope Francis has often talked publicly of being respectful towards gay people.
“As he [the Pope] has stated on more than one occasion, ‘In the Church there is room for everyone, everyone! Nobody is useless or superfluous, there is room for everyone, just the way we are,’” Bruni reiterated.
Some supporters of the Pope, who are progressive, said that even though there is much to be accomplished in terms of gay rights in Catholicism, Francis’ efforts have changed the tone of the Church’s attitude.
Pope Francis made headlines in the early days of his papacy when he said “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay people.
Catholic traditionalists were also angered when Pope Francis said priests should be able to bless same-sex couples in some circumstances and on several occasions said gay people should be welcome in the Church.
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