Pope Francis apologizes for using derogatory term to refer to homosexuals

Pope Francis has apologized for using a highly offensive word to refer to homosexuals, the Vatican reports, citing Reuters.

“Pope Francis is aware of recently published articles about a closed-door conversation with bishops Italian Bishops’ Conference. As he repeatedly stated, there is a place for everyone in the Church! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is a place for everyone. “We are all of us as we are,” the Vatican said in a statement.

“Dad never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms and apologizes to anyone who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others.”

Francis made the observation in a closed meeting with bishops when he described priests’ colleges as already too full of “frociaggine,” an Italian term that roughly translates to “panelirice.” The Pope reiterated that homosexuals should not be allowed to become priests.

The incident occurred on May 20 when the Italian Episcopal Conference held a private meeting with the Pope.

“It’s all the fault of the bishop, who broke his mandate of silence to condemn last week’s gaffe,” Il Messaggero said, as quoted by Sky News.

According to the newspaper, the pope’s comments came during an informal question-and-answer session at the annual meeting of bishops, which was attended by more than 200 clergy.

The pope is credited with encouraging the Roman Catholic Church to take a more welcoming approach to the LGBT+ community. Last year he allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, prompting significant backlash from conservatives.