Pope used derogatory term for gays again - sources

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 12 - Pope Francis repeated a derogatory Italian term for homosexuality, "frociaggine", during a closed-doors meeting with Roman priests on Tuesday, ANSA sources have said.
    His use of the word, stemming from the term 'frocio', which translates into English as 'faggot', last month during a meeting with over 200 Italian bishops referring to people with gay tendencies at Catholic seminaries caused controversy and prompted the Vatican to issue an apology.
    The statement said that the Pope "never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he apologizes to those who felt offended by the use of a term reported by others".
    On Tuesday the pope said that "there is an air of 'frociaggine' in the Vatican" too, sources present at the meeting said.
    He also reiterated that he thinks that, while young men with gay tendencies are "good lads", it is better for them not to be admitted to seminaries.
    The pope has softened the Church's line on gays, once famously saying "Who am I to judge?" in relation to them, while maintaining the Catholic dogma that active homosexuality is a sin, while celibacy by gays is admitted. (ANSA).