Pope Francis Faces Scrutiny Over Reported Use of Anti-Gay Slur
Pope Francis has reportedly used an offensive Italian slur for gay men twice in recent weeks, sparking confusion and hurt within the LGBTQ Catholic community. Known for his progressive stance towards LGBTQ individuals, including his 2013 query "Who am I to judge?" and his recent move to permit priests to bless same-sex couples, this turn of events has been surprising.
The controversy began when Pope Francis allegedly used the term during a meeting with Italian bishops in late May, while discussing the admission of openly gay men into seminaries. Italian news sources reported that he repeated the term on June 11 in a meeting with priests, citing a bishop's comment using the slur to describe the Vatican situation.
These incidents have prompted reactions from various church figures. The Rev. James Martin, a pro-LGBTQ advocate within the Church, met with the Pope afterward and noted the Pope's acknowledgment of the offensive nature of the term, dismissing the notion of inherent homophobia in Francis. Conversely, Rev. Bryan Massingale, an openly gay priest and Fordham University professor, emphasized the damaging impact of such language irrespective of intent.
The ongoing dialogue highlights the complexities within the Church regarding LGBTQ issues, as Pope Francis attempts to navigate the differing perspectives within the institution.