In response to allegations that he made a derogatory remark about homosexual people at a private meeting, Pope Francis has officially issued an apology.
It has been claimed that the pope, who is 87 years old, used a pejorative phrase during a meeting with members of the Italian Bishops’ Conference in Rome on May 20. The meeting was held in order to debate the issue of whether or not homosexual persons should be allowed to enter the priesthood. According to the BBC and The Guardian, the Italian news site Dagospia was the first to reportedly publish on the claimed statements made by the Pope.
at response to a question that was posed during the discussion, Pope Francis allegedly expressed his opposition to the idea of homosexual persons being allowed to enroll at Catholic seminaries. As he said that there were an excessive number of members of the community enrolling at seminaries, he reportedly then used the word “frociaggine” in Italian, which is a phrase that is considered to be offensive to those who identify as homosexual.
As reported by The Guardian, Italian news agencies La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, and Adnkronos all quoted sources that confirmed the pope’s usage of the word, which left guests stunned and perplexed.
According to The Times, Pope Francis is reportedly claimed to have said at the conference that if homosexual persons were permitted to prepare for the priesthood, they would be at danger of living a double life.
According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, who was speaking to PEOPLE in reaction to the claims, “Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have recently been published about a conversation that was held behind closed doors with members of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.” In light of the fact that he has been given the chance to express it on several occasions: “There is room for everyone, for everyone in the Church!” Because there is space for everyone, there is no one who is redundant or an unnecessary person. Because of the way that we are, each and every one of us.'”
Bruni continued by saying, “The Pope has never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who have felt offended by the use of a term that was reported by others.”
The purported words made by Pope Francis came only a few days after he reaffirmed his views on blessing same-sex couples during a 60 Minutes program on May 19. Prior to that, he had already shared his openness in doing so.
I did not bless the union, which is what I let to happen. Because it is not the sacrament, it is impossible to carry out that action. I am unable to. In the course of the conversation, the Pope elaborated on the fact that “the Lord made it that way.” Indeed, in order to bless each individual. The blessing is sent to each and every person. For each and every one.”
To bless a relationship of a homosexual nature, on the other hand, is contrary to the rule of the Church, which is known as the given right. On the other hand, why not bless each individual? he went on to sady. Everyone will get the blessing. There were some individuals who were shocked by this. But why is that? To each and every one of you!
The interview came after the theology office of the Vatican issued a document in December 2023 that granted Catholic priests the authority to bless same-sex couples. This document was hailed as a “major step forward” at the time it was released.
The Pope had said, “God never turns away anyone who approaches him!” in his original answer to questioning on the matter, which was two months earlier. When everything is said and done, a blessing provides individuals with a tool to enhance their confidence in God. Because it is a seed of the Holy Spirit, it must be cultivated and not stifled throughout this process.
The words that the pope made in the documentary Francesco were the impetus for his first declaration of support for the civil unions of couples of the same sexual orientation in October of 2020. In March of 2021, the Vatican issued a statement stating that the Catholic community should treat LGBT individuals with “respect and sensitivity.” However, the Vatican also said that the marriages and unions of gay people would not be approached in the same way.