Pope Francis apologized for using a derogatory term about gay men while reaffirming the Catholic Church’s ban on gay priests.

This incident highlighted the tension between the Church’s official stance on homosexuality and the reality of gay men in the priesthood and LGBTQ+ Catholics seeking inclusion.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni addressed the controversy, explaining that Francis used the term during a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops on May 20.

Italian media reported that Francis had jokingly used the term while emphasizing the ban on gay men entering seminaries, the Associated Press reported.

Bruni noted that Francis, known for his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, believes there is “room for everyone” in the Church.

Written by B.C. Begley