Pope Francis Facing Backlash Over Using Anti-Gay Slur

Pope Francis has come under fire after reportedly using a vulgar and derogatory term about members of the LGBTQ community during a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops.

According to reports from two of Italy’s leading newspapers, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, the 87-year-old pontiff made the offensive remark as he reiterated the Catholic Church’s stance against allowing gay men to be ordained as priests.

The publications quoted Francis as saying seminaries, or priesthood colleges, “are already too full of ‘frociaggine,'” an Italian slur roughly translated as “f—–ness.”

While the Vatican has not responded to requests for comment, the alleged May 20 incident has drawn widespread condemnation from LGBTQ advocates and liberal Catholics alike.

The reports indicate some unnamed bishops suggested Francis, an Argentine native, may not have realized the full offensiveness of the Italian term he used. However, critics argue the pope’s language promotes discriminatory attitudes regardless of intent.

The controversy comes as the latest chapter in Francis’ mixed record on LGBTQ issues during his decade-old papacy.

Francis is considered much more progressive than past popes and has made remarks seen as inclusive, such as his famous 2013 quote, “Who am I to judge?” about gay people. Last year, he also allowed Catholic clergy to bless same-sex couples, a move that angered conservatives.

However, Francis has maintained the Church’s opposition to gay marriage and stance barring men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” from becoming priests, in line with guidelines issued under his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

During a 2018 meeting with Italian bishops, Francis warned against accepting gay candidates for the priesthood, saying they should be “impeccably” vetted and rejected if found to be homosexual.

LGBTQ rights groups have long criticized such policies as perpetuating harmful stigmas and discrimination against the community.

The pope recently removed a Texas bishop who criticized his views on gay rights.