The Pope reportedly used a derogatory term about gay men again in a private meeting, where he is said to have reiterated a need for caution regarding them becoming priests.

Weeks after apologising for using a highly offensive word about gay men - the Pope has reportedly used the same term again.

Pope Francis initially made the remark in a closed-door meeting with bishops last month, when describing priesthood colleges as already too full of “frociaggine” - a highly offensive Italian slur.

According to ANSA news agency, the Pope repeated the term on Tuesday while meeting Roman priests, saying there is an air of “frociaggine” in the Vatican and it was better that young men with a homosexual tendency not be allowed to enter the seminary.