Pope Francis has breathed new life into the recent controversy after allegedly using an anti-gay slur for the second time in as many weeks. Italian news agencies ANSA and Adnkronos reported that the Pope used the offensive term during a closed-door meeting with priests at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. This incident follows a similar occurrence last month, which prompted a rare apology from the Vatican.
The Vatican has not confirmed the use of the slur, only stating that the Pope cautioned against admitting gay men into seminaries. “The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms,” said Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni. “He extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term, reported by others.”
During the meeting, Pope Francis reportedly relayed a bishop’s words, stating, “There is too much frociaggine here in the Vatican,” using a derogatory Italian slang term for gay men. The context and exact circumstances of the Pope’s comments remain unclear, but they have ignited a wave of backlash within and outside the church.
LGBTQ advocates and allies were quick to condemn the Pope’s remarks. Alessandro Zan, an Italian politician and prominent LGBTQ advocate, responded on social media, “There is not too much ‘frociaggine.’ There are too many homophobes.” Similarly, a gay priest expressed his dismay in America magazine, stating, “We need more than an apology for Pope Francis’ homophobic slur.”
This controversy comes despite Pope Francis’ reputation for a more inclusive stance towards LGBTQ individuals compared to his predecessors. He has previously emphasized that the Church should welcome everyone, famously stating, “In the Church, there is room for everyone, for everyone!”
The Pope’s comments have raised questions about the balance between his inclusive rhetoric and his views on homosexuality within the Church. While he advocates for the Church to welcome LGBTQ individuals, his recent remarks suggest a more conservative stance on their roles within the clergy.
