Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Pope Francis Sparks Controversy Again: Use of Homophobic Term Raises Eyebrows


 Pope Francis has once again stirred controversy by reportedly using a homophobic term, weeks after apologizing for previous remarks. During a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops on May 20, he used the word 'frociaggine', a vulgar Italian term equating to 'fness'. The Pope repeated this term on June 11, referring to an 'air of fness in the Vatican' while meeting with Roman priests.

Addressing concerns about homosexual tendencies among potential seminarians, Pope Francis suggested it might be better for those with such tendencies to refrain from entering the seminary. In response to inquiries, the Vatican's press office referred to a statement emphasizing the importance of welcoming gay individuals into the Church while exercising caution regarding their admission to seminaries.

After the initial report, unnamed bishops present in the meeting suggested that the Pope, being Argentine, may not have realized the offensive nature of the Italian term he used. This incident follows previous efforts by Pope Francis to foster greater inclusivity towards the LGBT+ community during his papacy.

In a speech cited by Italian news agency Adnkronos in May, the Pope expressed concerns about a perceived 'culture of homosexuality' and suggested caution in admitting individuals with a homosexual orientation into seminaries. His remarks were met with incredulous laughter, signaling a setback for LGBTQ+ rights reform within the Church.

Subsequently, the Pope issued an apology through the Vatican, clarifying that he never intended to offend or express homophobic sentiments. He expressed regret to those who felt offended by the reported use of the term, seeking to mitigate any harm caused by his remarks

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