In response to questions from journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, has made the following declaration:

Pope Francis is aware of recently-published articles regarding a conversation, behind closed doors, with bishops of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

As he has stated on several occasions, “In the Church there is room for everyone, for everyone! No-one is useless, no-one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we are, everyone”.

The Pope has never intended to offend or to express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who have felt offended by the use of a term, referred to by others.