The Vatican issued another apology after the Pope allegedly used an offensive term to describe gay men in a closed-door meeting.
Pope Francis has been accused of using a homophobic slur once again in a private meeting, two weeks after the Vatican issued a rare apology following a similar incident. The alleged use of the offensive term occurred during a closed-door session with Roman priests at the Salesian Pontifical University on Tuesday, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The Pope is said to have made comments suggesting that gay men should be welcomed in the church, but not in seminaries, and reportedly used the slur in the discussion. This follows a similar incident in May, when Francis allegedly used the same derogatory term in a private meeting with bishops. In response to the May meeting, the Vatican had issued an apology, acknowledging that the term was offensive to some and expressing regret for any hurt caused.
The Vatican has yet to provide further commentary on the latest accusation but did refer to a prior statement made about Tuesday’s meeting with priests. In that statement, Pope Francis reiterated the church’s stance on welcoming people with homosexual tendencies but expressed caution regarding their entry into seminaries.
While the Vatican’s official news outlet, Vatican News, reported on the meeting, it made no mention of the Pope’s alleged use of the offensive term or any discussion on homosexuality. This silence has led to further criticism of the Pope’s remarks and the Vatican’s handling of the situation.
The use of such language has sparked a broader debate within the Catholic Church about its approach to LGBTQ+ issues and the tone set by the Pope, who is often seen as a progressive figure. However, these recurring incidents may undermine his efforts to make the Church more inclusive and compassionate toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
In light of the new accusations, it remains unclear whether the Vatican will take further steps to address the matter publicly. The controversy continues to draw attention to the ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church regarding its treatment of gay men and LGBTQ+ issues.