Pope Francis has issued an apology after using a homophobic slur during a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops. The Vatican released a statement expressing regret and clarifying that the Pope did not intend to cause offence.
The controversy arose from a comment made by Pope Francis during the Italian Bishops’ Conference, where he suggested that gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood. He used the term “frociaggine,” a highly offensive Italian slur, to describe what he perceived as an excess of homosexuality in some seminaries.
Although the conversation was private, it quickly gained public attention through media reports. The Vatican’s spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, addressed the situation in a formal statement: “Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have come out recently concerning a conversation he had with bishops… behind closed doors. 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.”
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Reports from multiple Italian media outlets, including The Guardian, highlighted the vulgarity of the term “frociaggine,” roughly translating to “faggotness” in English. This has sparked significant backlash, especially given Pope Francis’s history of advocating for more inclusive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community within the Catholic Church.
Shock Over Pope’s Remarks
The Pope’s remarks were first reported by the Italian tabloid website Dagospia and later confirmed by other news agencies. The incident has shocked many, particularly in light of Pope Francis’s previous statements promoting respect and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. Marianne Duddy-Burke, head of the LGBT Catholic rights group DignityUSA, expressed her dismay: “Unfortunately, even if intended as a joke, the Pope’s comment reveals the depth of anti-gay bias and institutional discrimination that still exist in our church.”
Historical Context of Pope Francis and the LGBTQ+ Community
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has made numerous statements aimed at fostering a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ Catholics. Early in his papacy, he famously responded to a question about a gay priest by saying, “Who am I to judge?” He has also reassured gay individuals of their inherent dignity and worth, stating, “God made you like this and he loves you.”
However, his informal style and occasional use of colloquial language have sometimes led to controversies. For instance, in a 2018 in-flight press conference, he suggested that young homosexual children might seek “psychiatric help,” a comment that was later removed from the official transcript. Despite his efforts towards inclusivity, his recent comment underscores the ongoing tension within the Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
Recent Initiatives and Backlash
Pope Francis has made several moves towards recognizing and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church. Recently, he suggested that priests might have the discretion to bless same-sex couples in certain situations. In another progressive step, he endorsed a document allowing transgender individuals to be baptized and serve as godparents.
Nonetheless, his stance has faced opposition from conservative factions within the Church, particularly in Africa and Asia. The Pope’s latest comments have only intensified the ongoing debate about the Church’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
Moving Forward
The Vatican’s apology emphasizes the Pope’s commitment to respect and inclusivity. Matteo Bruni reiterated the Pope’s earlier messages of acceptance: “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.”
Despite the recent controversy, supporters of Pope Francis hope that his overall progressive trajectory will continue to pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding within the Catholic Church.
