Reports emerge of Pope Francis using derogatory language towards the LGBT community during a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops on the topic of gay priests. Italian media sources revealed details of the incident, sparking controversy and raising questions about the Pope’s stance on LGBTQ issues.
Pope Francis’ Controversial Comments
According to La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, two prominent Italian newspapers, Pope Francis referred to gay individuals as “frociaggine“, an offensive Italian term meaning “faggotness”. The incident allegedly took place on May 20 during a private meeting with the Italian Bishops Conference. These reports have not been officially confirmed by the Vatican, as they did not respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
Reactions and Speculations
La Repubblica attributed the story to various unnamed sources, while Corriere della Sera mentioned support from a few bishops who speculated that the Pope, being Argentine, might have been unaware of the term’s offensive nature in Italian. The initial report surfaced on the political gossip website Dagospia, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding Pope Francis’ comments.
Pope Francis’ History with the LGBTQ Community
Despite previous gestures of inclusivity towards the LGBTQ community, such as his famous “Who am I to judge?” remark in 2013 and permitting blessings for same-sex couples in 2023, this latest incident has drawn attention to a recurring theme in the Pope’s interactions with gay individuals pursuing priesthood. In 2018, during a meeting with Italian bishops, he advised caution in accepting homosexual applicants to the priesthood, conveying a similar message without the reported derogatory language.
Vatican’s Stance on Homosexuality in the Priesthood
In a 2005 document under Pope Francis’ predecessor, Benedict XVI, the Vatican outlined guidelines for admitting individuals with homosexual tendencies to the priesthood. The document specified that candidates must have overcome these tendencies for at least three years, excluding those who actively engage in homosexual practices or endorse gay culture.
As the controversy unfolds, questions arise about the Vatican’s stance on LGBTQ inclusion within the Church hierarchy. Pope Francis’ history of welcoming gestures towards the LGBTQ community contrasts with the recent reports of insensitive language, prompting a closer examination of the Church’s position on homosexuality and priesthood.
For more information on this developing story, you can visit La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera for the latest updates.