Controversy Surrounds Pope Francis' Alleged Remarks on Gay Men in Priesthood Training
Recent reports suggest that Pope Francis may have advised Italian bishops against allowing gay men to pursue priesthood training, sparking accusations of a homophobic slur during a confidential meeting. The 87-year-old pontiff's alleged comments have stirred controversy and raised concerns within the Catholic community.
Pope Francis reportedly advised Italian bishops against allowing gay men to pursue priesthood training. Two Italian newspapers claimed that the 87-year-old pontiff used a homophobic remark during a private meeting last week. According to sources present at the meeting, the Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica newspapers stated on Monday that the Pope made these comments during a discussion with Italian bishops on May 20.
The translated newspaper articles alleged that the Pope mentioned the presence of "faggotry" in certain seminaries during a discussion about proposed changes to the guidelines for seminary candidates by Italian bishops.
In 2005, the Vatican stated that the church cannot ordain men who are openly gay or have strong homosexual inclinations. In 2016, Pope Francis confirmed this decision. Two years later, he advised the Italian bishops to refrain from accepting gay individuals as candidates for the priesthood.
Pope Francis stands on the popemobile after the Easter Mass as part of the Holy Week celebrations, at St Peter's square in the Vatican on March 31, 2024.
Pope Francis stands on the popemobile after the Easter Mass as part of the Holy Week celebrations, at St Peter's square in the Vatican on March 31, 2024.
TIZIANA FABI/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
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Pope Francis believes that some conservative critics in the church have a 'suicidal attitude'. Throughout his time as Pope, he has aimed to be more accepting of LGBTQ+ Catholics. He famously said "who am I to judge?" when asked about gay priests. Additionally, he has suggested that priests could give informal blessings to same-sex couples.
The Corriere della Sera newspaper mentioned that the Argentine pope, who speaks Italian as a second language, may not have realized how offensive his language was. They reported that the bishops reacted with incredulous laughter to his remark.
A source close to the Pope shared with CNN that another interpretation could be that there is a "gay climate" in the seminaries.
There is no official record of the comments because the meeting was private.
CNN has contacted the Vatican to ask if the Pope used the term, but they have not replied yet.
Editor's P/S:
The reported comments by Pope Francis regarding gay men in priesthood training are deeply disappointing and disheartening. Despite his previous statements expressing acceptance of LGBTQ+ Catholics, these
