Pope Francis has apologised for using a homophobic slur during a meeting with Italian church leaders last week.
The Vatican has released a statement saying the head of the Roman Catholic Church “never intended to offend or to express himself in homophobic terms.”
Context
The Vatican is an independent city-state located within Rome, Italy. It serves as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church.
Last week, the Pope addressed church leaders at a Vatican conference.
Italian media reported that Pope Francis used a homophobic slur when talking about gay priests. This had taken place with some of the bishops at the conference.
Apology
In a statement released by Vatican officials, Pope Francis apologised for using “homophobic terms” at the conference.
It said the remarks were made “behind closed doors,” and quoted the Pope as previously saying: “In the Church there is room for everyone”.
LGBTQ+ remarks
Pope Francis made headlines in 2013 when he responded to a question about a gay priest by saying: “Who am I to judge?”
Last year, he approved blessings for same-sex couples, as long as the blessing isn’t associated with marriage.
However, the Vatican has been criticised for its recent comments against gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy.