Pope Francis has issued an apology following a backlash over the use of a deeply offensive term to describe the LGBTQ+ community during a closed-door meeting with bishops on May 20, 2024. The Vatican acknowledged the controversy on Tuesday, explaining that the Pope never intended to use homophobic language and apologized to those offended.

The incident occurred at an Italian bishops’ conference in Rome, where the Pope reportedly used the term “frociaggine,” which is considered highly derogatory in Italian. During the meeting, one topic was whether celibate gay men could be trained for the priesthood, a notion the Pope reportedly opposed.

The Pope’s apology was welcomed by the UK-based LGBT Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council. Martin Pendergast, the group’s secretary, stated that the rapid apology indicated the Pope’s recognition of the harm caused by the language used.

This is not the first time Pope Francis has addressed issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community. In 2013, he remarked, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Additionally, in December 2023, he approved blessings for same-sex couples, provided they do not mimic marriage ceremonies.

The Vatican’s ban on gay priests was formalized in a 2005 document and reaffirmed in 2016, stating that men who “practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture” cannot be admitted to seminaries or ordained.

The Pope’s latest remarks came as the LGBT Catholics Westminster group celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Mass on May 27, 2024. Bishop Paul McAleenan of Westminster emphasized the church’s inclusive nature during the service.