Italian media says Pope Francis used a homophobic slur during a meeting with Italian bishops.

Pope Francis used a homophobic slur during a meeting with Italian bishops, as he reiterated that gay men should not be allowed to become priests, according to Italian media.

Newsmen reported that the 87-year-old Pope made the derogatory remark in a private meeting a week ago when he was asked whether gay men should be allowed to train for the priesthood provided they remained celibate.

It was reported that some of those present felt that the Pope, whose first language is Spanish, did not realise how offensive the word was.

The Vatican has not commented on the alleged remarks.

Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has insisted that the Catholic Church should be open to all, including the LGBTQ community.

Last year, he criticised laws that criminalised homosexuality and later said that priests could conduct blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions.