In a closed-door meeting with bishops in Rome yesterday on whether or not homosexuals should be admitted to seminaries where future priests are trained, Pope Francis responded by saying "there is already enough of a homosexual presence", using the term "frociaggine". (pederast), which is considered an offensive term. This brought about a mass revolt and soon after a reaction from the Vatican.
Pope Francis is aware of the articles that were recently published about a conversation, behind closed doors, with the bishops of the Italian Conference of Bishops. The Pope never intended to offend or express himself using homophobic expressions and apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of the term, which was reported by others," the statement reads.
Pope Francis emphasized that the Catholic Church welcomes homosexuals, but made it clear that they should not be allowed to train to become priests.
