Pope homophobic slur row: Pope Francis issues rare apology. Here is everything you need need to know

Soon after Pope Francis was embroiled in controversy over alleged use of homophobic slur, the Vatican has issued an official apology by claiming that Pope did not intend to use homophobic language and apologises to anyone offended by it.

It is extremely rare for a pope to issue a public apology.

Read More: Pope issues rare apology over reported homophobic slur


What was the homophic comment that Pope made?
Italian media reported on Monday that Francis used the Italian term "frociaggine", roughly translating as "faggotness" or "faggotry", as he told Italian bishops he remained opposed to admitting gay people into the priesthood.

One daily, Corriere della Sera, quoted unnamed bishops who were in the room as suggesting that the pope, as an Argentine, might not have realised that the Italian term he used was offensive.

Read More: Pope used vulgar Italian word to refer to LGBT people, Italian newspapers report

Bruni said Francis was "aware" of the various articles.

The Vatican spokesman reiterated that the pope remained committed to a welcoming Church for all, where "nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, (where) there is room for everyone".

What did Pope say in official apology?
"The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologises to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an emailed statement.

The Vatican spokesman reiterated that the pope remained committed to a welcoming Church for all, where "nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, (where) there is room for everyone".

(with agency inputs)