During a private bishops' conference, the Pope is reported to have used the homophobic term “frociaggine” to refer to homosexual individuals. This news was reported by the Italian tabloid website Dagospia.

“Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have come out recently concerning a conversation he had with bishops... behind closed doors,” said a Vatican spokesperson in a statement sent to multiple media outlets. In that statement, the Pope offers his apologies, which is a rarity. “The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others.”

Pope Francis has been trying to make the Church more open to people from the LGBT+ community in recent years. However, he has to navigate between the progressive and conservative views within his Church. For instance, African bishops are not required to bless same-sex couples, a practice the Pope has advocated for.