Pope Francis apologizes for using language that 'offended' gay people

Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis - Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters, Pope Francis on May 28 apologized to those who felt offended, after the Pope accidentally mentioned a term that is considered offensive to people in the LGBT community (community for gay, bisexual, transgender people).

Observers and public opinion say that it is very rare for a pope to make a public apology to the public.

“The Pope never intended to offend or use homophobic language. He also apologizes to those who felt offended after hearing such language through third-party reports,” said Vatican spokesman and director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni in a statement.

Echoing Pope Francis' words, spokesman Bruni affirmed that they are still actively building an open Catholic Church, always open to welcome everyone.

“In the church, there is no one who is useless, no one who is superfluous. There is always a place for everyone,” Mr. Bruni added.

Previously, Italian media reported that on May 27, Pope Francis used the Italian word “frociaggine” (translated into English as “faggotry”, a word that means contempt for gay men) while he was discussing with Italian bishops about the issue of opposing the appointment of homosexuals as priests.

Reuters quoted a report from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera explaining that the incident may have stemmed from the fact that the Pope is Argentine, so he may not have realized the offensive implications of the term he used.

Also according to Reuters, Pope Francis (87 years old) has always shown an open and progressive mindset on gender issues, and has also made some quite liberal proposals towards members of the LGBT community during his 11 years as leader of the world 's Catholic Church.

“If a person is gay and they are seeking God with good will, who am I to judge them?” Pope Francis said about accepting gay people in the Catholic Church, at the beginning of his pontificate in 2013.

It was this statement of his that helped the "common father of the Catholic Church" gain much sympathy and support from Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

In 2023, Pope Francis allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, despite fierce opposition from conservatives.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/giao-hoang-francis-xin-loi-vi-su-dung-ngon-tu-khien-nguoi-dong-tinh-thay-bi-xuc-pham-20240528222051882.htm