Is Pope Francis homophobic?

Several weeks ago, Pope Francis found himself entangled in a heated dispute over the use of a derogatory Italian slang term - frocciagine - losely translated as faggotry. 

In a high level meeting of the CEI,  His Holiness not only advised Italian bishops against allowing young individuals identifying as gay to pursue studies in seminaries with the goal of becoming priests, but adding insult to injury, used this derogatory term to describe gay seminarians. Italians identifying as  LGBTQ+ were shocked because the explicit term "frocciagine," is  highly offensive  in Italian culture. It is clear why members of the LGBTQ+ community saw this term as an insult, as it seemed that the Pope chose to deliver his message in a direct and unfiltered manner rather than tempering it.

Etymologically, "frocio" comes from the Latin adjective "ferox" of the third declension. The genitive form of this term is "ferociter," and for the ancient Romans, it represented not only a wild and fierce individual but also someone characterized by arrogance and stubbornness. All Romance languages have adjectives derived from the Latin term "ferox".  "Ferocious" in English can be used to describe both animals, like a lion on the savannah, and powerful political figures, akin to a ruthless Stalinist overseeing disdidents in the Siberian Gulag. Therefore, the etymological origin of the term "frocio" reveals the highly offensive nature of applying it to individuals who identify as gay. It's unsurprising that Italian individuals identifying as gay feel rightfully offended when labeled with this term. This offense doesn't stem from the person using the term engaging in linguistic analysis but rather from the historical and linguistic reasons why this term carries such a negative meaning. The Romans, who had coined this term, surely understood the disdain inherent in its usage.

It comes as no surprise that when Pope Francis remarked on May 20 to Italian Bishops about the presence of an excessive amount of "frocciagine" in seminaries, this caused widespread concern. The Pope repeated for the fourth time in his pontificate that individuals identifying as gay should not apply to seminaries, underscoring the reasoning behind this position. Bergoglio strongly opposes the presence of "frocciagine" in seminaries, a scenario he believes would likely happen if individuals identifying as gay were admitted.

The global backlash that followed this statement prompted the Pope to apologize on May 28 for his use of the aforementioned term. In his expression of regret, the Pope apologized and affirmed that there is a place within the church for all individuals, including those who identify as gay. However, many observers noted that this apology from the Pope did not address the underlying message criticizing the suitability of individuals identifying as gay for seminary education. Through his statement, the Pope implied that while individuals identifying as gay could be welcomed as church members, they should not aspire to become priests.

Indeed, numerous priests in Malta promptly pointed out that this apology by the Pope indicated a shift in the church's policy regarding the admission of individuals identifying as gay to seminaries. It is crucial to remember that a directive issued by the Vatican in 2005 during Pope Benedict XVI's papacy clearly states: "The church cannot allow the ordination of men who are practicing homosexuals, have deep-seated homosexual inclinations, or support gay culture." This directive urged bishops, major superiors, and all relevant authorities to ensure compliance with these guidelines barring gays to the altars.

Subsequently, further events unfolded after Lorenzo Michele Noè Caruso, a 22-year-old from Sicily, made public the Pope's written response to an email he sent on May 28, detailing an incident where he faced resistance due to his sexuality when trying to enter the seminary. In his letter, Caruso conveyed to the Pope his belief that this opposition stemmed from blatant clericalism and his sexual orientation. The Pope, in his response, seemed to encourage Caruso to continue pursuing a calling to the priesthood. This response led many to see the Pope's stance as a significant shift in the Church's policy, potentially indicating a departure from the directives outlined in the 2005 document. However, subsequent revelations showed that the content of Caruso's original email to the Pope differed from the version presented in the media. Consequently, Caruso's communication to the Pope took on a different tone compared to his public statements to the media and cheated to the whole world.

Few came to know about Caruso's cheating and  pro-LGBTQ+ theologians were celebrating. It seemed that the Pope seemingly was expressing a desire for individuals identifying as gay to be admitted to seminaries with the 2005 declaration thrashed into the dustbin of history.

These celebrations were short-lived.  During a meeting on June 11 with 200 priests in the Aula Magna dedicated to Saint Paul VI at the Universita Pontificia Salesiana, the Pope used again the dreaded “frocciagine” term. Responding to questions arising from media coverage after the apology issued on May 28 and the Pope's interaction with Caruso, the priests sought clarification on the eligibility of individuals identifying as gay for seminary enrollment. Pope Francis unequivocally reaffirmed his stance with increased clarity, firmly stating a resounding NO to gays with the Pope once again used the term "frocciagine" to emphasize his point. His precise statement read as follows: "What did I say on this matter: if a young man desires to enter the seminary and has homosexual tendencies: stop him. This is a directive articulated by the Dicastery for the Clergy, and I support it. Currently, the influence of the homosexual culture has spread alarmingly, and there are good young men who answer the Lord's call, although it is preferable that they refrain." Clearly, the Pope has shown unwavering resolve in upholding the 2005 directive, avoiding substantive changes and instead increasing restrictions on individuals identifying as gay. His current position maintains that despite the merits of individuals who identify as gay, their admission to seminaries remains prohibited.

To highlight the absence of any policy revision, the Pope reiterated his stance using the term "frocciagine" to emphasize that unfortunately there is too much of it in the Vatican.

The Pope's firm stance on this issue is evidently apparent. Many observers have been disappointed as it has become clear that Bergoglio is referencing Section 2358 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states that all forms of unjust discrimination against individuals who identify as gay should be avoided. This implies the potential for discrimination, pointing to the distinction between just and unjust discrimination towards gays. This explains why Benedict XVI implemented discrimination regarding the admission of gays to seminaries.

Based on Pope Francis' remarks, it appears unlikely that this stance will shift.