According to various Italian media reports this week, the 266th Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, made a controversial remark during a meeting on May 20, so says Tag24
"Frociaggine"
Witnesses present that day stated, according to Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, that Francis used the term "frociaggine" when some bishops proposed changing the guidelines for seminary candidates.
The Italian word "frociaggine" roughly translates to "faggotry" in English.
Nineteen years ago, the Vatican had decided that homosexual men or men with "deep-seated" homosexual tendencies should not be allowed to be ordained.
This sparked a significant outcry from queer church members. Previously, the Pope had shown openness toward the LGBTQ community and indicated that he did not condemn them.
Never Intended to Offend
The Vatican insists: There is room for everyone in the Church! Is being gay okay or not okay? Following the controversy over his remarks, the Vatican has now issued a statement on behalf of Francis.
"The Pope never intended to offend anyone or to express himself in a homophobic manner, and he apologizes to anyone who felt offended by the use of a term," the Vatican stated, according to CNN.
"As he (Pope Francis) has said on several occasions: 'There is room for everyone in the Church, for every person! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we all are.'"
