Pope Francis Apologizes Following Reports of Him Saying Offensive Term Towards Gay People

The pontiff reportedly made the derogatory comment during a private meeting on May 20

Pope Francis has apologized after he reportedly used a slur towards gay people during a private meeting.

The pontiff, 87, reportedly said a derogatory term in a meeting with members of the Italian Bishops’ Conference in Rome on May 20, while discussing the subject of whether gay men should be welcomed into the priesthood. Italian news outlet Dagospia was first to report the alleged comments made by the pope, per BBC and The Guardian.

Pope Francis reportedly shared his objection against gay men being admitted to Catholic Seminaries after being asked at the meeting. Per the outlets, he then allegedly said the word “frociaggine” in Italian — which translates as a derogatory term for gay people — as he claimed there were too many members of the community entering seminaries.

Italian news outlets La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera and Adnkronos all cited sources confirming the pope used the term, leaving attendees shocked and confused, per The Guardian.

Related: Pope Francis Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples in Historic Decision: 'Major Step Forward'

Pope Francis also allegedly said during the meeting that should gay people be allowed to train for the priesthood they are at risk of leading a double life, per The Times.

In response to the reports, Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told PEOPLE, “Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have recently been published about a conversation held behind closed doors, with members of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. As he has had the opportunity to say on several occasions: 'There is room for everyone, for everyone in the Church! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just in the way that we are, all of us.' "

"The Pope has never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who have felt offended by the use of a term, reported by others,” Bruni added.

Pope Francis' alleged comments come days after he clarified his position on blessing same-sex couples, after previously sharing his openness in doing so, during a 60 Minutes special on May 19. 

Related: Pope Francis Clarifies Blessing Same-Sex Unions — 'That Cannot Be Done' — But Says 'Everyone' Can Be Blessed (Exclusive)

"What I allowed was not to bless the union. That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament. I cannot. The Lord made it that way," the pope clarified during the interview. "But to bless each person, yes. The blessing is for everyone. For everyone."

"To bless a homosexual-type union, however, goes against the given right, the law of the Church. But to bless each person, why not?" he added. "The blessing is for all. Some people were scandalized by this. But why? Everyone! Everyone!"

The interview followed the Vatican’s doctrine office release of a document giving Catholic priests permission to bless same-sex couples in December 2023, which was praised as a "major step forward" at the time.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In his initial response to questions on the subject two months earlier, the pope said, “God never turns away anyone who approaches him! Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God. … It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered.”

The pontiff first declared his support for the civil unions of same-sex couples in October 2020, following comments he made in the documentary Francesco. Then, in March 2021, the Vatican said that the Catholic community should welcome gay people with "respect and sensitivity,” however their marriages and unions would not be received in the same manner.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.