Pope Francis apologized on Tuesday after being quoted in Italian media making an anti-gay slur at a closed-door meeting last week. A statement issued by the Vatican did not directly confirm the use of the specific word at the meeting with the Italian bishops, which ignited a firestorm after the incident was reported across multiple Italian media outlets citing participants. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope had never intended to offend or use the homophobic language, as reported “by others,” and apologized to those who had felt offended. The reports said the pope consulted with the …