The Pope apologizes for derogatory comments about seminaries

Pope Francis apologized for his recent comments, which sparked controversy in the Catholic community after he suggested that gay men should not be able to become priests.

The comments were reportedly made during a May 20 meeting held behind closed doors at the assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference, according to some Italian media.

The situation has been addressed by the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, who said that the Pope did not intend to offend anyone with his words and that he apologizes to those who felt offended.

According to Bruni, the Pope is aware of the publications that have emerged as a result of this private conversation and recognizes the impact that his words have had.

Since then, the Vatican issued an apology in a written statement:

“Pope Francis is aware of the articles recently published about a conversation, behind closed doors, with the bishops of the CEI [the Italian Episcopal Conference of Catholic bishops],” the statement reads. “As he stated on several occasions, 'In the Church there is room for everyone, for everyone! Nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we are, all of us.' The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others.”

The controversy surrounding the Pope’s comments arises around the use of the Italian word “frociaggine” by the Pope, a derogatory term to refer to homosexuals, which caused surprise among the bishops present at the meeting.

Although the Pope affirmed that there is a place for everyone in the Church, recognizing the diversity of the Catholic community, the use of this language has generated criticism.

According to reports from media such as Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera, the Pope, whose native language is Spanish, often uses colloquial language in his conversations, which could have contributed to the choice of this inappropriate word.

However, the Vatican emphasizes that the Pope was not aware of the offensive nature of the expression and that his intention was not to denigrate any community.