Pope Alleged to Have Repeated Homophobic Slur in Private Meeting

Pope Francis is alleged to have used a derogatory term for gay people for the second time in two months, during a private meeting with priests in Rome. The slur, 'frociaggine', which translates as 'fa***tness', was used to explain why gay men should not be allowed to enter the priesthood, according to reports in Italian outlets, including ANSA. The Vatican press office declined to comment on the record, but referred to a statement about the meeting, in which the pope said that gay people should be welcomed in the Church, but also cautioned against their admission to seminaries. This incident has raised concerns about possible internal divisions within the Church and challenges to the Pope's progressive stance on social issues.