Pope under fire: Controversial comments on women and gossip revealed

Italian portal Il Silere Non Possum claims to have evidence of statements made by Pope Francis during a meeting with priests. The head of the Catholic Church is reported to have expressed a harsh judgment. Francis reportedly said that "gossip is a women's thing."

According to the portal's report, the statements were made during a meeting with newly ordained priests, where what "is appropriate" and what is not were discussed. The Pope allegedly discouraged priests from slandering and remarked that "gossip is a women’s thing."

The portal Il Silere Non Possum also criticized Francis, writing that "he is characterized by sexism." The Guardian reports that the editorial staff possesses recordings of the Vatican leader's remarks. It cites Marco Perfetti, director of Il Silere Non Possum.

Recently, the Pope has faced criticism for shocking the public and the faithful by using judgmental and even vulgar terms. His recent comments about homosexuals were made during a meeting with approximately two hundred bishops from the Italian Episcopal Conference. The Pope called for stricter selection during seminary admissions because - as he said - there is too much "gay activity."

He has since apologized for his words.