Pope Francis Apologizes for Using Derogatory Term in Discussion on Gay Men in Seminaries
Apology Issued by Vatican
Pope Francis has formally apologized for using a derogatory term referring to gay men during a closed-door meeting with bishops earlier this month. Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, stated, “The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of the term.”
Incident Details
During a meeting with Italian bishops at the Vatican, the discussion centered on whether to admit gay men to Catholic seminaries. Italian media reported that Pope Francis opposed the idea, citing that there was already too much “frociaggine” in seminaries—a highly offensive slang term in Italian referring to gay men and their culture.
Mixed Messages to LGBTQ Catholics
The incident is part of a broader pattern that has left many LGBTQ Catholics feeling conflicted. Earlier this year, the Vatican issued a document titled “Infinite Dignity,” which labeled “sex change” and “gender theory” as grave threats. However, late last year, Pope Francis provided guidance that allowed priests to bless people in same-sex relationships, though not the relationships themselves.
The Catholic Church officially teaches that homosexuality is intrinsically disordered and that sexual activity between people of the same sex is a grave sin. Despite this, Bruni reiterated the Pope’s inclusive message: “As [Francis] has stated on many occasions, ‘There is room for everyone in the Church.’”
Response from LGBTQ Community
The LGBTQ Catholic group Dignity USA expressed profound disappointment with Pope Francis’s original comments. Marianne Duddy-Burke, the executive director, stated, “My stomach just dropped. It was so disheartening.” While she appreciated the Pope’s apology, Duddy-Burke emphasized that it did not erase the hurt caused by the use of the term, pointing to a deeper issue within the Catholic Church.
“The people of the church and the leadership of the church have a chasm between our beliefs,” she explained, noting a significant exodus from the church due to such divides.
Polling Data on LGBTQ Acceptance
Recent polling supports Duddy-Burke’s views. A Pew Research study earlier this year revealed that a majority of Catholics believe the church should perform same-sex marriages. Another poll by the Public Religion Research Institute indicated that negative teachings about LGBTQ people are a significant reason many leave their religion.
Conclusion
The Pope’s recent comments and subsequent apology highlight ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ issues. As the church navigates these complex dynamics, the reactions from both leadership and the laity will continue to shape its future.
