Pope Francis has once again used the term ‘fagginess,’ despite recently apologizing for employing the homophobic slur.
The head of the Catholic Church reportedly remarked, “There is an air of fagginess in the room,” during a closed-door meeting with Vatican priests.
This incident follows his previous use of the term “frociaggine” in Italian, for which he had issued an apology last month. During the meeting, the Pope suggested that young men with gay tendencies should not be allowed into the seminary.
When approached for comment, the Vatican referred reporters to a prior statement where the Pope emphasized the importance of welcoming gay individuals into the Church while also exercising caution regarding their admission to seminaries.
The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera quoted unnamed bishops at the meeting, speculating that the Pope’s Argentinian background might have led to an unawareness of the term’s offensiveness.
These remarks have sparked criticism, with some arguing that they tarnish the Pope’s authority and undermine efforts to reform the Catholic faith. Previously, Pope Francis had stated that gay individuals should be expelled from seminaries regardless of whether they acted on their sexual tendencies.
At the beginning of his papacy, the Pope made headlines with his inclusive stance, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay people. He also extended a message of compassion to a transgender individual last July, saying, “Even if we are sinners, [God] draws near to help us.”
The Pope has made other comments suggesting a degree of acceptance, such as stating that transgender individuals could be baptized in the Church, provided it does not cause a “public scandal” or “confusion.”
Despite the recent controversy, Pope Francis has been known for some progressive changes, including approving the blessing of unmarried and same-sex couples by priests in Catholic churches, marking a significant shift for the 2,000-year-old institution.
