By Sanal Edamaruku
Pope Francis recently found himself at the center of controversy following the use of extremely derogatory language. When asked at the Italian Bishops’ Conference if gay men should now be allowed to train for the priesthood as long as they remained celibate, Pope Francis said they should not.
He then continued by saying in Italian that there was, in the Church, already too much of an air of frociaggine, which translates as a highly offensive slur.
“There has been shock at the Pope’s reported language at this private meeting, particularly as he has often talked publicly of being respectful towards gay people. Progressive supporters of the Pope have long argued that while little has tangibly changed in terms of gay rights in Catholicism, Pope Francis has changed the tone of the Church’s attitude.” BBC reported.
Pope Francis’ remark starkly contrasts with his previous support for same-sex marriage. This incident has sparked a wave of criticism, highlighting the hypocrisy in the Pope's approach to inclusivity and compassion.
In the past, Pope Francis has garnered praise for his open-mindedness and willingness to break away from traditional conservative views that his Church advocated vigorously. His famous "Who am I to judge?" comment regarding gay priests in 2013 sounded like a significant shift in the Catholic Church's approach to LGBTQ+ issues. More recently, he endorsed same-sex civil unions, and stated that the homosexual people have the right to be in a family. He even called for laws to protect them. These statements were seen by sections of the media as groundbreaking, indicating a more accepting and modern perspective within the Church.
However, the recent derogatory remark has cast a shadow over these progressive strides. During a public address, Pope Francis made a comment that many perceived as disrespectful and dismissive. The remark, which quickly drew widespread condemnation, seems to contradict the very principles of acceptance, and understanding that he has previously championed.
This inconsistency points out the hypocrisy of the Catholic church. How can the same leader who advocates for the rights and dignity of same-sex couples make a comment that undermines these values? It raises questions about the sincerity of his earlier statements and whether they were merely superficial attempts to modernize the Church's image without a genuine commitment to change.
The Pope's derogatory remark reveals an underlying bias that still permeates the Vatican, despite its efforts to present itself a more inclusive facade. It suggests that the Pope's support for same-sex marriage might be more about public relations than a true belief in equality and justice. This duality reveals not only the double-standards of the Pope himself, but also the institution he represents.
In the wake of the criticism, Pope Francis issued an apology for his remark. He acknowledged the hurt it caused and reiterated his commitment to treating all individuals with respect and dignity. For many, this apology is a step in the right direction, but for those who know the reluctance of the church to change, it is just an eye-wash aimed at public relations.
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