Pope Francis apologized on Tuesday after being quoted in Italian media making an anti-gay slur at a closed-door meeting last week.
A statement issued by the Vatican did not directly confirm the use of the specific word at the meeting with the Italian bishops, which ignited a firestorm after the incident was reported across multiple Italian media outlets citing participants.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope had never intended to offend or use the homophobic language, as reported "by others," and apologized to those who had felt offended.
The reports said the pope consulted with the bishops on the question of whether avowed homosexuals should be admitted to the seminary.
Major Italian media outlets said the pope jokingly used the the Italian word "frociaggine," which roughly translates to "faggotness," in his response.
Francis said he was opposed to the seminary idea and reportedly added: "There is already too much faggotness in the seminaries."
Vatican spokesman Bruni said that the pope was aware of the reports about his dialogue with the bishops.
He added that Francis has also stated on other occasions that there is room for everyone in the Church.
