Pope Francis has recently come under scrutiny for using a homophobic slur during a private meeting with bishops at the Vatican. The controversy arose when the Pope reportedly referred to "fa**otness" while discussing the Church's long-standing ban on gay men becoming priests. He allegedly remarked that "there is already an air of fa**otness" in seminaries.
According to unnamed bishops present at the meeting, the Pope used the term in a joking manner. This incident is particularly striking given Pope Francis' public stance on inclusivity within the Catholic Church, where he has often emphasized that there is room for everyone.
In response to the backlash, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement attempting to mitigate the situation. "The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term that was reported by others," Bruni said. Despite this apology, the incident raises questions about the Pope's awareness of the term's offensive nature and the implications of using such language, even in private.
This incident also highlights the Church's firm position on homosexuality. In 2016, the Church reiterated its policy that men who "practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture" should not be admitted to seminaries.
Given the recent remarks, it seems unlikely that Pope Francis will be participating in LGBTQ+ events anytime soon. This episode underscores the ongoing tension within the Church regarding issues of sexuality and inclusivity, revealing a stark contrast between public messages and private sentiments.