Roger-Luc Chayer / Reuters (Photo: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Francis, widely quoted as having used a highly derogatory word to describe the LGBT community, did not intend to use homophobic language and apologizes to anyone offended by it, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
It is extremely rare for a pope to issue a public apology.
“The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an e-mailed statement.
Italian media had reported on Monday that Francis used the Italian term “frociaggine“, roughly translating as “faggotness” or “faggotry”, as he told Italian bishops he remained opposed to admitting gay people into the priesthood.
Italian political gossip website Dagospia was the first to report on the alleged incident, said to have happened on May 20 when the pontiff met Italian bishops behind closed doors.
One daily, Corriere della Sera, quoted unnamed bishops who were in the room as suggesting that the Pope, as an Argentine, might not have realized that the Italian term he used was offensive.
Mr. Bruni said Francis was “aware” of the various articles.
The Vatican spokesman reiterated that the Pope remained committed to a welcoming church for all, where “nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, [where] there is room for everyone.”
Nevertheless, his reported remarks caused shock and consternation.
Marianne Duddy-Burke, the head of LGBTQ Catholic rights group DignityUSA, called them “shocking and hurtful to many, especially to the innumerable gay priests who have served God’s people faithfully and well.”
“Unfortunately, even if intended as a joke, the Pope’s comment reveals the depth of anti-gay bias and institutional discrimination that still exist in our church,” Ms. Duddy-Burke added.
Vito Mancuso, an Italian theologian and former priest, told daily La Stampa that Francis’s language was “despicable and surprising because it blatantly jars” with his previous messages on LGBTQ issues.
Francis, who is 87, has been credited with making substantial overtures toward the LGBTQ community during his 11-year papacy.
In 2013, at the start of his papacy, he famously said: “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?”
Last year he allowed priests to bless members of same-sex couples, triggering a substantial conservative backlash.
THE POPE SETS A BAD EXAMPLE, EVEN GAY GLOBE SUFFERED A HOMOPHOBIC ATTACK ON MAY 28, 2024!
This utterly absurd homophobic attack by Pope Francis occurred just a few days after the celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, which he could not have ignored since it is a global celebration and the Vatican is a member of the United Nations.
Lire l’édition #159 du Magazine Gay Globe sur la Journée Internationale contre l’homophobie, la transphobie et la biphobie
It is precisely statements and behaviors like those of the Pope that this International Day condemns. They are unacceptable and, unfortunately, set a bad example for ill-intentioned individuals who might take advantage of these statements, considering them credible, to repeat and inflict them on others.
And that is exactly what happened yesterday, May 29, to the author of these lines and editor of the Gay Globe Group during a debate about statements published on the Facebook page of a person who lives in Longueuil, Quebec, and, according to his Facebook page, works for a food industry company on the South Shore of Montreal. Having decided to send me a private message via Messenger, I replied that since we did not know each other, politeness was in order.
VD: « Do you have a problem? »
Me: « No, you seem to have one, and I don’t know you. Politeness. »
Me: « I sympathize with your past, it’s your choice. Homophobia is a flaw that you don’t understand and it has nothing to do with prostitution. I respect your situation more than you think, but before posting publicly, think a little about what you are saying!! »
VD: « Maybe you are too old for humor. » This, in addition to the homophobic attack that followed, is a discriminatory remark based on age.
Me: « To be continued. »
VD: « Threats? (Sic) I will file a criminal complaint. »
Me: « Go. »
VD: « It was just a bad joke, I got it, I removed my comment, what more do you want? »
Me: « We will discuss this publicly since these posts are public and the public can form an opinion… Do you sincerely believe this is the first time I’ve received hateful messages? No. Let me assess the situation. »
VD: « Go to hell, you damn faggot. » (The bold text is from the author of this article to emphasize the gravity and impact of these remarks.)
That’s why it’s important to denounce the homophobic remarks and attacks of public figures like the pope, because it’s in our daily lives that we have to endure them afterward.
Homophobic attacks have profound effects on morale, both individually and within communities. At the individual level, they can cause immense psychological distress, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression. Victims may experience a loss of self-esteem and self-worth, questioning their identity and place in society. The trauma from such attacks can linger long after the incident, impacting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Within communities, homophobic attacks breed a sense of insecurity and vulnerability. They create a climate of fear where individuals may feel hesitant to express their true selves or engage openly with others. This erodes trust and solidarity, fragmenting communities and hindering social cohesion. Moreover, repeated incidents of homophobia can normalize discrimination, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
The effects of homophobic attacks extend beyond the immediate victims, rippling through families, friends, and allies who share in their pain and outrage. They serve as stark reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance, fueling activism and advocacy efforts. Ultimately, addressing homophobic attacks requires a concerted effort to challenge discrimination, promote inclusivity, and foster a culture of respect and understanding for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In this case, a report has been filed with Facebook for homophobic remarks.
In Quebec, several organizations offer assistance to individuals facing homophobia. Here are some resources:
Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence (CPRMV): They provide support to individuals who are victims of discrimination, including homophobia. Their website offers information and resources to seek help.
Montreal LGBTQ+ Community Centre (CCGLM): This is an organization that provides a range of support services, including discussion groups, counseling, referrals, and community activities for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Coalition of LGBTQ+ Organizations of Quebec: They bring together several LGBTQ+ organizations across the province and provide resources and referrals for those in need of assistance.
Gai Écoute: This is a telephone helpline offering confidential and anonymous support to LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. They also offer services via email and chat.
Quebec Rainbow Alliance: This is an LGBTQ+ rights advocacy organization in Quebec City, offering support services, community activities, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.
These resources are available to offer support, listening, and advice to anyone facing homophobia.