A Vatican spokesman says Pope Francis has apologized after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men.
The pope reportedly made the comment during a closed-door meeting with a group of Italian bishops earlier this month. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said, "The Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and makes his apologies to those who have felt offended by the use of a term, referred by others."
Bruni also said the pope has repeatedly said, "In the Church there is room for everyone, for all! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. As we are, everyone."
Italian media had quoted unnamed bishops in reporting that Francis jokingly used the term "faggotness" while discussing the Vatican's ban on allowing gay men to become priests, the Associated Press reported.
The pope was speaking Italian when he used the slur. It isn't his native language and he has made gaffes in the past.
The 87-year-old Argentine pope jokes using slang and curses in private, according to the Associated Press.
Francis has been known for his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics.
In 2013 he said "Who am I to judge" about a report that a priest had previously had a gay lover.
