Story Highlights
- Pope Francis used an offensive slur in a closed-door debate on admitting homosexual men into seminaries.
- The pontiff expressed concerns about ‘too much’ gay sexual activity in seminaries.
- His remarks shocked bishops in Italy during an episcopal conference at the Vatican.
Pope Francis’ Controversial Remarks
Pope Francis, in a closed-door meeting at an episcopal conference, sparked controversy by using a derogatory word ‘frociaggine’ to refer to homosexuality in seminaries. The bishops present were taken aback by the pontiff’s language, which caused an ‘incredulous laughter’ in the room.
Details of the Remark
According to reports, Pope Francis stated, “There is already an air of f***ry around that is not good. There is today’s culture of homosexuality with respect to those who have a homosexual orientation [who] are better off not being accepted [into the seminary].”
Reactions and Analysis
The use of such language by Pope Francis, known for his more liberal views on LGBT rights, has surprised many. While some attribute it to a language misunderstanding, others find it inappropriate for a pontiff. Former priest and gay rights activist Francesco Lepore expressed being ‘stunned’ by the remarks, emphasizing the need for respectful language in discussions on sensitive topics.
Implications and Reflections
This incident raises questions about the stance of the Catholic Church on homosexuality and the vetting process for seminary applicants. Despite recent strides in LGBT rights within the church, Pope Francis’ choice of words has sparked a debate on the language used in such discussions.