According to reports from Italy's leading newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis allegedly employed a highly offensive slur toward the LGBTQ community during a recent closed-door gathering with Italian bishops. The publications claim the pontiff reiterated his stance that gay individuals should not be admitted to the priesthood, purportedly stating that seminaries are already excessively populated with "frociaggine" – a vulgar Italian term that roughly translates to "faggotness."
The Vatican has not responded to requests for commentary regarding the alleged incident, which is said to have transpired on May 20th.
As recounted by La Repubblica, based on multiple unnamed sources, and Corriere della Sera, citing unspecified bishops, the Pope's reported language stands in stark contrast to his previous statements that have been viewed as more embracing of the LGBTQ community. In 2013, at the outset of his papacy, Francis famously remarked, "If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?"
However, the Pope has also made contradictory pronouncements, such as instructing Italian bishops in 2018 to meticulously vet applicants for the priesthood and reject any individuals suspected of being gay. A 2005 Vatican document from Benedict XVI's pontificate stated that the Church could admit those who had "overcome" gay tendencies for at least three years but should bar individuals with "deep-seated" same-sex attraction or those who "support the so-called gay culture."
Il Messaggero, a national Roman newspaper, reported that "It's the fault of some bishop who broke his mandate of silence to report the gaffe that occurred last week," referring to the alleged anti-gay slur during an informal Q&A at the annual Italian Bishops' Conference meeting attended by over 200 clergy members.
