Pope – to the gay man expelled from seminary: Go forward with your vocation

The Pope. Photo: rbc

Pope Francis urged a gay man expelled from a Catholic seminary for his homosexual orientation to forge ahead with his vocation.

According to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, 22-year-old Lorenzo Michele Noè Caruso received a letter from Francis in response to an email Caruso sent to the pontiff regarding Francis' reported use of the vulgarism "frociaggine" ("f–ggotry" – Ed.) in reference to homosexuals in seminaries.

"Thank you very much for your letter," wrote Pope Francis personally, stressing that he was "struck by an expression of yours: ‘Toxic and elective clericalism’: and it is true! Do you know that clericalism is a plague?”

"Jesus calls everyone, everyone," the letter continues. "Some people think of the Church as a customs office, and that is bad. The Church must be open to everyone. Brother, go forward with your vocation," the Pope wrote.

In the publication lifesitenews.com, it is argued that "Francis affirmed the homosexual man in his attempt to receive Holy Orders in explicit violation of Catholic teaching while also failing to call him to repentance and chastity."

Caruso told Il Messaggero that Francis's "beautiful reply… makes it clear who the real Pope is, he is not what they made him out to be.”

"This letter gives me hope, now the seminary remains a dream not shelved," he added. The young man said that he was dismissed from the seminary when his “sexuality” was discovered.

According to Caruso, the letter he received from Francis has “heartened” him and other so-called “gay Catholics”.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that during a closed meeting with Italian bishops who had come to Rome for the General Assembly, Pope Francis stated that "there are too many 'faggots' in our seminaries."

Read also

Four Mt. Athos Monks Injured in Greece Highway Accident

Four Athonite monks were injured in a highway accident, with one remaining in critical condition.

Pskov Caves Monastery Marks 20 Years Since Elder John’s Repose

The Pskov Caves Monastery commemorates Archimandrite John, honoring his life of labor, prayer, and spiritual guidance for generations of Russian Orthodox faithful.

Patr. Theodoros II Leads Historic Ecumenical Service in Panama

Patr. Theodoros II visits Panama, joining Orthodox in an historic prayer service promoting Christian unity.

Cherkasy Metropolitan Denounces Politically Motivated Charges

Metr. Theodosiy calls his criminal case politically motivated, defending UOC rights and warning of potential ECHR implications.

Patr. Theophilos III Meets Diplomats to Address Holy Land Crises

Patr. Theophilos III warns of rising attacks and restricted worship, urging protection of Christian communities and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.

Attendance Low after UOC Cathedral Transferred to OCU

Only a handful of worshippers attend Chernihiv’s Trinity Cathedral since the OCU took control.