Pope Francis Faces Criticism for Using Offensive Term Towards Gay People

Pope Francis has come under fire for using a derogatory term towards gay people in a private meeting, sparking criticism and questions about his stance on inclusivity. The incident has prompted an apology from the Vatican's press office.

On June 5, 2024, Pope Francis utilized a highly disparaging term against gay people during a meeting with priests in Rome, according to ANSA and Adnkronos news agencies. The term, “frociaggine,” an offensive Italian slang word referring to gay men, was reportedly used by the Pope two weeks earlier in a private meeting with Italian bishops.

The Vatican's press office referenced a previous statement in response to inquiries about the incident, emphasizing the need to welcome gay people into the Church and exercise caution regarding their admission into seminaries. The Holy See did not directly comment on the reported use of the term.

Pope Francis has previously been recognized for his inclusive messages towards the LGBTQ+ community. The recent remarks have led to criticism and an apology last month from the Holy See's press office, asserting that the Pope did not intend to offend.

The repeated use of the term has caused significant backlash and raised questions about the Pope's commitment to inclusivity. The Vatican highlighted that the closed-door meeting also addressed various issues, including substance abuse and ongoing international conflicts.