Italian media reported a scandal during a meeting between Pope Francis and priests. The incident allegedly occurred on May 20 during the Italian Bishops' Conference. The clergy deliberated for four days with the Pope behind closed doors. It is said that the head of the Church used a slur against homosexuals during a discussion on admitting gay people into the priesthood.

According to reports from La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, Francis mentioned that there is too much "frociaggine" in seminaries. This word is the Polish equivalent of a vulgar term for gays. The Dagospia website was the first to report the incident.

The Vatican has not commented on the scandalous reports so far. La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera have partially defended the Pope, citing anonymous meeting participants who believe that Francis was unaware of the offensive words he used. They explained that Italian is not the Church leader's native language.

The Pope's recent insensitive remarks about LGBT people may be surprising, considering Francis' previous positive stance towards the queer community. It was he who authorised the blessing of homosexual couples, which has made him many enemies among the most staunch followers of Catholicism, both among the faithful and the clergy.

The Pope's stance on homosexuals is controversial for two main reasons. On one hand, it gives hope for a shift in the Church's view of the LGBT community. On the other hand, it is not revolutionary enough for a quick and smooth change to occur.

It's worth noting that Francis has previously expressed criticism about allowing homosexuals into the seminary. Reuters reported that he rejected the idea back in 2018. According to the current regulations, LGBT individuals can join the clergy if they have "clearly overcome homosexual tendencies for at least three years." These guidelines, issued by Pope Benedict XVI, also include restrictions such as not supporting the "gay culture" and not having "deep-seated gay tendencies."

Source: rp.pl