Pope Francis apologized on Tuesday after Italian media reported that he used an anti-gay slur during a private meeting with bishops.
According to two Italian newspapers, Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, the Pope used the slur “frociaggine,” which translates to “faggotness” in English. This allegedly happened during a discussion about allowing gay men to become priests on May 20.
The Vatican responded, stating that the 87-year-old Pope “never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms,” adding that he “extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of a term, as reported by others.”
The Pope is aware of the reports and reiterated that “there is room for everyone” in the Catholic Church. This aligns with his past statements.
However, in 2016, he maintained the church’s ban on men who practise homosexuality or support “gay culture” from becoming priests.
