Absolutely right... if it fit in the context, it sure sounds as if he at least knew the word and what he was saying. I'll tell ya why this whole thing bothers me,
@VintageBetter ... hearing excuses made for this guy... he's old, he didn't know the language, yadda yadda.
BUT if any of our politicians... or conservative actors, sports figures, etc. had said the very same thing, they would be crucified and "cancelled." I'm not Catholic, but I'd like to think I would see the same hypocrisy even if I were.