Pope apologises after using homophobic slur

POPE Francis has apologised following reports that he used an derogatory term for gay men.

- Frances Millar

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement acknowledging the media storm that erupted about the comments, which were delivered behind closed doors to Italian bishops on May 20.

had Italian media unnamed clergy in quoted reporting that Francis jokingly used the term "frociaggine", translating as "faggotness".

He had allegedly used it in reaffirming the Vatican's ban on allowing gay men to enter seminaries and be ordained priests.

Mr Bruni said Francis was aware of the reports and added the Argentine Pope, who has made outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy, has long insisted there is "room for everyone" in the Catholic Church.