Pope apologises over reported homophobic slur

Pope Francis has apologised following reports that he used extremely derogatory language towards gay men.

A statement from the Vatican said the Pope did not mean to offend anyone and apologised to those who were "hurt by the use of a word".

At the Italian Bishops' Conference, the pope reportedly said gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood, adding there was already an air of frociaggine, which translates as a highly offensive slur.

This meeting was in private, but has been widely reported.

“Pope Francis is aware of the articles that have come out recently concerning a conversation he had with bishops... behind closed doors,” the statement quoted the director of the Holy See - the Catholic Church's governing body - Matteo Bruni, as saying.

The Pope’s reported comments were first conveyed to the Italian tabloid website Dagospia, and were soon confirmed by other Italian news agencies.