In a recent private meeting with Italian bishops, Pope Francis reportedly used a derogatory term to describe homosexuality, causing a stir in the media.
The Vatican confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the Pope has since apologized for his choice of words.
The news was first reported by Italian media outlet Dagospia, which claimed that the Pope had used a derogatory term to describe homosexuality, stating that there was already too much of it in some seminaries. He also reiterated his stance that homosexuals should not be allowed to enter the priesthood. This news was later picked up by other Italian publications, including Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica.
The Vatican, in a statement released on Tuesday, confirmed the reports. However, it emphasized that the Pope's comments did not contradict his previous assertions that the Church is open to all, regardless of personal issues or sins. The statement quoted the Pope as saying, "In the Church there is room for everyone, for everyone! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we are, everyone."
The Vatican press office further clarified that 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, reported by others."
Since 2005, the Vatican has maintained that homosexual men cannot be considered for the priesthood, a stance that Pope Francis has reaffirmed on multiple occasions.
This incident comes shortly after a "60 Minutes" interview in which Pope Francis clarified his position on the blessing of same-sex unions. During the interview, journalist Norah O'Donnell asked the Pope about the Vatican's recent document approving "blessings" of individual Catholics who are in same-sex unions.
O'Donnell asked, "Last year you decided to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. That's a big change. Why?" To which the Pope responded, "No, what I allowed was not to bless the union. That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament [of marriage]. I cannot. The Lord made it that way."
He further explained, "But to bless each person, yes. The blessing is for everyone. For everyone. To bless a homosexual-type union, however, goes against the given right, against the law of the Church. But to bless each person, why not? The blessing is for all. Some people were scandalized by this. But why? Everyone! Everyone!"
This incident highlights the ongoing tension within the Catholic Church regarding its stance on homosexuality and the role of homosexuals within the Church. Despite the Pope's apology, his comments have reignited debates on the Church's position on homosexuality and its treatment of homosexual individuals.
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