Pope Francis Apologizes for Reported Homophobic Slur: A Comprehensive Update
29.05.2024: Pope Francis has issued an apology following reports that he used extremely derogatory language towards gay men. A statement from the Vatican clarified that the Pope did not intend to offend anyone and expressed regret to those hurt by his choice of words.
Incident Overview
During a private meeting at the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Pope Francis reportedly stated that gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood, using the term “frociaggine,” a highly offensive slur. Although the meeting was private, the comments were widely reported and sparked significant backlash.
Vatican’s Response
The Vatican quickly addressed the controversy. Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See, stated that the Pope is aware of the media reports about his private conversation with the bishops. Bruni reiterated that Pope Francis did not mean to use homophobic language and apologized to anyone who felt offended.
Bruni emphasized the Pope’s inclusive stance, quoting Francis: “In the Church, there is room for everyone, everyone! Nobody is useless or superfluous, there is room for everyone, just the way we are.”
Media and Public Reaction
The initial report of the Pope’s comments appeared on the Italian tabloid website Dagospia and was later confirmed by other Italian news agencies. The language used by the Pope shocked many, especially given his previous public statements advocating respect towards gay individuals.
Progressive supporters of Pope Francis argue that while there has been little tangible change regarding gay rights within Catholicism, he has significantly altered the tone of the Church’s approach. Early in his papacy, Francis made headlines by saying, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay people.
Recently, he has further stirred debate among traditionalists by suggesting that priests should bless same-sex couples in certain circumstances and frequently reiterating that gay people are welcome in the Church.
Cultural and Linguistic Considerations
Defenders of the Pope, particularly Spanish-speaking supporters, note that he sometimes struggles with Italian colloquialisms. They suggest that he might not have fully grasped the offensive nature of the term he used, despite his Italian-speaking upbringing in Argentina.
Reactions from LGBT Catholic Community
Marianne Duddy-Burke, head of the LGBT Catholic rights group DignityUSA, called the Pope’s reported comments “shocking and hurtful,” especially to gay priests who have served faithfully. She remarked, “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.”
Pope Francis’s apology highlights the ongoing tension within the Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues. While his intention to be inclusive is clear, the recent incident underscores the challenges and sensitivities involved in navigating these complex topics.