The pontiff reportedly made the homophobic remark in a closed-door meeting last week as he told Italian bishops that gay men shouldn’t be allowed to train for the priesthood.

“The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of a term, as reported by others,” the Vatican said in a Tuesday statement.

“As he (Pope Francis) has said on several occasions, ‘in the Church there is room for everyone, everyone! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we are, everyone.’”

Seems like they’re playing it off as “grandpa had a woopsie”.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldMEnglish
    91·
    6 months ago

    He never intended for people to find out he was being offensive and homophobic.

    This is 2024. I don’t care how old he is. He doesn’t live under a rock. He knows an offensive term for queer people when he uses it.

    Come back with a real apology, Francis. And make it yourself, don’t get some lackey to do it for you.