After reports circulated internationally about Pope Francis appearing to use a crude Italian slang term to refer to homosexuality in Catholic seminaries, the Vatican has tried to calm the resulting furore and said the Pope meant no offence and apologises for any caused, though the statement does not actually admit that he used the controversial term.
In statement released on 28 May, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: “Pope Francis is aware of the articles published recently about a conversation, behind closed doors, with the bishops of CEI .”
