News: Pope Francis has issued an apology following allegations of his use of derogatory language towards gay men. The Vatican released a statement expressing the Pope‘s regret for any offense caused and apologizing to individuals who were hurt by his words.
Reports suggest that during a meeting at the Italian Bishops’ Conference, the Pope made comments suggesting that gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood, using a highly offensive slur in the process. Although the conversation was private, it received widespread attention through media coverage.
Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See, confirmed the Pope’s awareness of the articles regarding the conversation and reiterated the Pope’s regret for any harm caused.
Pope Francis’s Alleged Use of Homophobic Language Causes Controversy
Multiple Italian media outlets have reported that Pope Francis used the term “frociaggine,” a vulgar Italian word roughly translating to ‘faggotness,’ during a discussion about his opposition to admitting gay men to Catholic seminaries. The Pope reportedly expressed concern about the level of “frociaggine” in some seminaries while emphasizing the importance of embracing everyone.
The reported remarks have sparked shock and criticism, especially considering Pope Francis’s previous public statements of respect towards the LGBTQ+ community. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni clarified that the Pope never intended to offend anyone and apologized to those who felt hurt by his words.
Despite the controversy, supporters of Pope Francis’s progressive stance argue that his leadership has brought a noticeable shift in the Church’s attitude towards LGBTQ+ issues. Since early in his papacy, when he famously said, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay people, the Pope has been seen as more open and inclusive.
Controversy Erupts Over Pope’s Comments on Same-Sex Couples
The Pope’s recent suggestion that priests should have the discretion to bless same-sex couples in certain circumstances has stirred controversy among traditionalist Catholics. Despite his frequent messages of inclusivity towards gay individuals in the Church, these comments have caused consternation among some members of the faith.
While some defenders of the Pope attribute his occasional missteps in Italian colloquialisms to his upbringing in an Italian-speaking household in Argentina, others find his remarks concerning. Marianne Duddy-Burke, the head of the LGBT Catholic rights group DignityUSA, described the reported comments as “shocking and hurtful,” especially to gay priests who have faithfully served the Church.
Duddy-Burke emphasized the Pope’s comment as indicative of lingering anti-gay bias and institutional discrimination within the Church. Despite any potential intent as a joke, the remarks have highlighted ongoing tensions regarding LGBTQ+ issues within Catholicism.
Pope Francis’s Complex Relationship with LGBTQ+ Issues
During his 11-year papacy, Pope Francis has made various comments and taken actions regarding LGBTQ+ individuals that have sparked both praise and criticism. While he has shown a more inclusive approach compared to his predecessors, his informal style has sometimes led to controversies.
- In July 2013, he famously said, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about a reportedly homosexual priest, indicating a more accepting stance towards LGBTQ+ Catholics.
- In May 2018, he reassured a gay man, stating, “God made you like this and he loves you.”
- In August 2018, a remark suggesting that young homosexual children might seek “psychiatric help” was deleted from an official transcript, sparking debate.
- In November 2020, the Vatican clarified his support for legal protections for same-sex couples.
- In January 2023, he affirmed, “Being homosexual is not a crime.”
- In August 2023, during World Youth Day in Lisbon, he emphasized inclusivity by leading a chant of “todos, todos, todos” (everyone, everyone, everyone) with half a million young people.
- In October 2023, he endorsed a document allowing transgender individuals to be baptized and serve as godparents.
- In December 2023, he approved blessings for same-sex couples, as long as they do not mimic marriage, leading to opposition from conservative bishops.
- In March 2024, he approved a document equating gender-affirming surgery with abortion and euthanasia as practices that reject God’s plan.
- In May 2024, reports emerged of him using a derogatory term in a private conversation about gay priests, later apologizing for any offense caused.
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