Pope Francis has apologised after he was quoted using a derogatory term about gay men. 

It's alleged the Pope made the remark during a closed-door meeting with bishops in Rome last week. 

They were reportedly discussing whether gay men should be admitted to Catholic seminaries, where priests are trained. 

Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the Pope apparently said gay men shouldn't be allowed to train for the priesthood. 

He says there's been shock at this, as the Pope has spoken publicly in the past about being respectful towards gay people. 

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