PARIS — The Vatican took exceptional steps to clarify Pope Francis’ message on homosexuality after it became known recently that he had met with Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who opposes same-sex marriage. It issued a statement making clear that the meeting was not an endorsement of her views.

Now, the Vatican’s stance on homosexuality has moved to the center of a long-building diplomatic standoff with France, though this time, it seems, clarity is not of the order.

The dispute between Paris and the Vatican has simmered quietly since January, when France put forward its nominee for ambassador to the Holy See, Laurent Stefanini, the chief of protocol for President François Hollande.

Nine months later, the Vatican still has not said whether it would accept Mr. Stefanini’s credentials. Nor has it provided a public explanation for the delay.