Pope Francis Under Fire for Using Homophobic Slur During Private Meeting with Roman Priests

Rome, Italy, Lazio, Italy Italy
Francis has consistently backed the Vatican's ruling that homosexual candidates cannot become priests due to their sexual orientation
He made similar comments during a meeting with Italian bishops on May 20, 2024
Pope Francis used homophobic slur during private meeting with Roman priests on June 12, 2024
Pope Francis Under Fire for Using Homophobic Slur During Private Meeting with Roman Priests

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has once again found himself in controversy after being accused of using a homophobic slur during a private meeting with Roman priests at Rome's Salesian Pontifical University on June 12, 2024. This comes just two weeks after he apologized for using the same derogatory term for gay men during a meeting with Italian bishops on May 20, 2024.

According to multiple Italian news agencies including ANSA and Adnkronos, Pope Francis used the offensive term during Tuesday's meeting while discussing why the Catholic Church does not accept open homosexuals into the priesthood. Francesco Langella, director of communications for the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, confirmed that Pope Francis indeed used the slang word during the meeting but did not provide additional context.

The pontiff's use of such language is particularly surprising given his previous landmark statements in support of same-sex civil unions and his conduct of LGBTQ outreach. However, he has consistently backed a 2005 Vatican ruling that homosexual candidates cannot become priests due to their sexual orientation estranging them from the proper sense of paternity.

The Vatican issued a statement summarizing the pope's comments at Tuesday's meeting with Roman priests, but it made no mention of his reported use of the offensive term. The statement said that Pope Francis spoke on topics ranging from Ukraine and the war in Gaza to artificial intelligence, and he reiterated the need to welcome and accompany gay men in the Church while urging prudence regarding their entry into seminaries.

The pope's use of homophobic language has sparked criticism from various quarters. Some argue that his underlying assumption that homosexuals cannot be made priests is groundless, while others believe he may not realize the slur he employed is considered offensive. Born and raised in Argentina, Francis hails from an Italian family and has spoken the language fluently since a young age.

This latest controversy comes at a time when Pope Francis' popularity has been on the decline due to various controversies surrounding his papacy. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact his public image and legacy.


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Confidence

81%

Doubts
  • Italian news agencies are the only sources reporting the use of a homophobic slur, and no other outlets have confirmed this claim.
  • The context of Pope Francis' comments during the meeting is not fully understood.

Sources

71%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Pope Francis uses homophobic slur for gay men for 2nd time in just weeks, Italian news agency says

CBS News Site: https://www.cbsnews.com/articles/about-us/ Anna Matranga Wednesday, 12 June 2024 20:25
  • Unique Points
    • Pope Francis used a homophobic slur during a private meeting with Roman priests at Rome’s Salesian Pontifical University on June 12, 2024.
    • The pope had previously apologized for using the same derogatory term for gay men during a meeting with Italian bishops on May 20, 2024.
  • Accuracy
    • The pontiff has previously made landmark statements in support of same-sex civil unions, conducted LGBTQ outreach and last year approved short blessings for same-sex couples by Catholic priests.
    • Francis reportedly repeated the slur in a meeting with 200 priests at Rome’s Salesian Pontifical University.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author reports on Pope Francis using a homophobic slur twice in recent weeks. While the article itself does not contain any fallacies, the repeated use of the term 'homophobic slur' implies that using such language is inherently wrong and offensive. This is an example of an appeal to emotion and can be considered inflammatory rhetoric.
    • The pope used a homophobic slur during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
    • Francis had used the same derogatory language for gay men once before, during a meeting with Italian bishops on May 20.
  • Bias (0%)
    The author uses language that depicts the Pope's actions as extreme or unreasonable by repeatedly reporting on his use of a homophobic slur towards gay men. The author does not provide any context or explanation for why the Pope's use of this word is problematic, and instead focuses on sensationalizing the situation.
    • At issue then was whether gay men should be allowed to enter the seminary. Eight days later, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, issued a rare apology, saying the pope had ‘never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others.’
      • In both of the relevant meetings, Francis was clear in his stance that gay men should not be ordained. Although Francis has been credited with welcoming members of the LBGTQ community into the church during his 11 year papacy, he has not been welcoming of gay priests.
        • Just weeks after apologizing for using a homophobic slur, Pope Francis used the same word again during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
          • The author's repeated use of the term ‘homophobic slur’ and sensationalized reporting on the Pope's actions demonstrates a clear bias against those holding traditional religious views on sexuality.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          70%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Pope Francis allegedly repeats gay slur, opposes gay men in priesthood

          The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Anthony Faiola, Tuesday, 11 June 2024 21:36
          • Unique Points
            • Pope Francis allegedly repeats gay slur during a meeting with Roman priests at Rome's Salesian Pontifical University.
            • The pontiff has previously made landmark statements in support of same-sex civil unions, conducted LGBTQ outreach and last year approved short blessings for same-sex couples by Catholic priests.
            • He has essentially backed a 2005 Vatican ruling that homosexual candidates cannot become priests because their sexual orientation estranges them from the proper sense of paternity.
          • Accuracy
            • Pope Francis allegedly repeats gay slur, opposes gay men in priesthood.
            • Francis reportedly repeated the slur in a meeting with 200 priests at Rome’s Salesian Pontifical University.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (75%)
            The authors report that Pope Francis allegedly used the derogatory term 'frociaggine' during a meeting with priests, which roughly translates to 'faggotness'. This is an example of an appeal to prejudice fallacy as it relies on the use of a derogatory term for a specific group. Additionally, the authors quote Francis as stating that gay men are likely to fail while exercising their ministry if they become priests, which is an example of essentialism fallacy as it assumes all gay men have the same characteristics and abilities.
            • Pope Francis allegedly repeated a highly pejorative slur in an encounter with clerics... The pope reportedly repeated the slur in a meeting with 200 priests at Rome’s Salesian Pontifical University, according to major Italian outlets. The term 'frociaggine' roughly translates as 'faggotness'.
            • If they became priests, the outlet quoted the pope as saying, gay men were likely to fail while exercising their ministry.
          • Bias (5%)
            The authors use the term 'frociaggine' which in Roman Italian dialect roughly translates to 'faggotness'. This is a derogatory term for the LGBTQ+ community and its use demonstrates bias against this group.
            • The pope reportedly repeated the word ‘frociaggine’, which in the Roman Italian dialect roughly translates as ‘faggotness’.
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            81%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Pope Francis allegedly repeats anti-gay slur while discussing ban on homosexual seminarians

            Fox News Media Timothy Nerozzi Wednesday, 12 June 2024 20:28
            • Unique Points
              • Pope Francis allegedly used the word 'frociaggine' during a private meeting with priests in Rome to discuss why the Catholic Church does not accept open homosexuals into the priesthood.
              • Anonymous sources claim that Pope Francis used the term during a private meeting with the Italian Episcopal Conference in May 2020.
            • Accuracy
              • Pope Francis allegedly used the word 'frociaggine' during a meeting with priests in Rome to discuss why the Catholic Church does not accept open homosexuals into the priesthood.
              • Pope Francis has reaffirmed the Vatican’s ruling since 2005 that homosexual men cannot be considered for the priesthood.
            • Deception (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The author Timothy Nerozzi presents a few informal fallacies in this article. Firstly, the author uses an inflammatory rhetoric by stating
              • Pope Francis allegedly doubled down on his use of an anti-homosexual slur in a meeting this week
              • Italian news outlet Dagospia broke the news on May 27 that Pope Francis told the Italian Episcopal Conference in a private meeting that there is already too much "frociaggine" in some seminaries and that homosexuals shouldn't be allowed to enter the priesthood.
            • Bias (50%)
              The author uses the term 'anti-homosexual slur' to describe the word 'frociaggine', implying that it is a derogatory term. However, without context or definition of the term from an unbiased source, it is impossible to determine if this is an accurate characterization. The author also quotes anonymous sources and does not provide any evidence that Pope Francis intended to offend anyone with his use of the term.
              • ]Pope Francis allegedly doubled down on his use of an anti-homosexual slur[
                • The Italian reports cited anonymous sources claiming to have attended the meeting.
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                90%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Pope Francis accused of repeating homophobic slur that prompted Vatican apology

                NBC News Digital Wednesday, 12 June 2024 20:29
                • Unique Points
                  • Pope Francis has been accused of using a offensive term to describe gay men in a closed-door meeting.
                  • The Vatican apologized for Pope Francis’ use of the same slur two weeks prior.
                  • Francis allegedly used the term during a meeting with Roman priests at The Salesian Pontifical University.
                  • Two sources claimed Francis used the phrase in another closed-door meeting with bishops on May 20th.
                • Accuracy
                  • Pope Francis allegedly repeated the slur in a meeting with 200 priests at Rome’s Salesian Pontifical University.
                  • The pontiff has previously made landmark statements in support of same-sex civil unions, conducted LGBTQ outreach and last year approved short blessings for same-sex couples by Catholic priests.
                  • Pope Francis was reported to have used an anti-gay slur during a meeting with priests in Rome on Tuesday.
                • Deception (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Fallacies (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Bias (80%)
                  The author does not use any language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable. However, the article reports on the Pope's alleged use of a homophobic slur in a closed-door meeting. While it is important to report on controversial statements made by public figures, using language that stigmatizes or stereotypes certain groups can be considered biased.
                  • The Pope is alleged to have used the term in a non-public meeting with Roman priests at the The Salesian Pontifical University.
                    • Two sources in the room told NBC News last month that the Pope used the phrase in another closed-door meeting with bishops on May 20.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication

                    81%

                    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                    Pope Francis Is Accused of Using a Homophobic Slur Again

                    The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Emma Bubola Wednesday, 12 June 2024 00:25
                    • Unique Points
                      • Pope Francis was reported to have used an anti-gay slur during a meeting with priests in Rome on Tuesday.
                      • Two Italian news agencies, ANSA and Adnkronos, reported that the pontiff used an offensive Italian slang term referring to gay men during the meeting.
                      • Francesco Langella, director of communications for the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, confirmed that Pope Francis used the slang word during the meeting but did not provide additional context.
                    • Accuracy
                      • Pope Francis allegedly repeats gay slur, opposes gay men in priesthood.
                    • Deception (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Fallacies (85%)
                      The author reports on the Pope using a homophobic slur twice, but does not explicitly state that the Pope's use of the slur is a fallacy. However, it can be inferred that reporting on someone else's use of a derogatory term without condemning or acknowledging its offensive nature could be considered an appeal to ignorance or an insinuation fallacy. The author does not make any explicit arguments or statements that contain logical fallacies, but the potential implication of her report could be considered problematic.
                      • “A bishop came to me and told me, ‘There is too much frociaggine here in the Vatican,’”
                    • Bias (80%)
                      The author reports on Pope Francis using an anti-gay slur during a meeting with priests, but does not provide any context or commentary on the use of the slur. The author simply repeats the statements made by Italian news agencies and a director of communications for the Salesian Pontifical University. This repetition without providing any analysis or perspective could be seen as reflecting a biased attitude towards homosexuality, which is not justified in an objective reporting.
                      • Francesco Langella, the director of communications for the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, where the meeting took place, confirmed that the pope repeated the slang word.
                        • The Vatican did not address the reports by two of the most prominent news agencies in Italy, ANSA and Adnkronos, that he had again used an offensive Italian slang term referring to gay men.
                          • Two prominent Italian news agencies said the pontiff used the term on Tuesday during a meeting with priests, after he was accused of uttering the same word last month while speaking with Italian bishops.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication