Pope Francis has previously expressed his doubts about candidates with homosexual tendencies entering the seminary. In a book interview in 2018, he said that those who were already ordained should consider the following:
MSGR. FERNANDO PRADO
Author, “The Strength of Vocation”
So, what he said is that when there is a person who is homosexual and has been ordained, he asks that the person be meticulous in practicing celibacy. If he is incapable, it is better for him to leave the ministry or the religious life instead of living a double life.
Earlier this month, during a meeting with Italian bishops, the Pope is alleged to have used stronger terminology saying he did not believe it was prudent to admit candidates with same-sex orientation to the seminary.
According to Italian media, the Pope used a derogatory term, saying, “There's too much faggotry.” The meeting was behind closed doors, which is in line with how the Pope often speaks to Italian bishops—without the presence of the media.
That is what happened during a meeting with the bishops in 2021.
Are there journalists?
I don't think so. There are no journalists. It's just us, Holiness.
That's good. So I can speak freely.
There were no journalists, but the then president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, Gualtiero Bassetti, may not have realized that the meeting was being live streamed. Now, during his most recent meeting, the Pope's alleged words have not been confirmed by the Vatican. And as it was a closed-door meeting, there is no official transcript.
JRB
TR: AT
