
Pope Francis (C), flanked by Prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein (R) gestures during an audience with participants in the Course on the Internal Forum, on March 29, 2019 at Paul-VI hall in the Vatican.
Andreas SOLARO / AFP
Pope Francis tries to stop people kissing his ring because he fears it could spread germs, the Vatican said Thursday in response to a viral video showing the Argentinian repeatedly withdrawing his hand from worshippers.
The incident was captured Monday during a visit to the Italian hill town of Loreto where the 82-year-old greeted dozens of parishioners.
While some simply bowed their head and shook his hand, others leaned forward to kiss his ring.
The smiling pope can be seen pulling back his hand repeatedly.
“The pope told me the reason he did not allow people to kiss his ring was because of hygiene… to avoid contagion when there are long queues of people,” Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said Thursday.
“Personally, he likes to embrace people.”
The video was shared online and had gained more than 11 million views on the Twitter social media platform by Thursday afternoon.
The scene in Loreto drew criticism from conservative Catholic observers who also frequently attack the pope over what they consider his too liberal approach to social issues.
However, it has since emerged that the video was only a short version of a longer clip, which shows the pontiff patiently letting people kiss his ring at first before the queues grew longer.
Nonetheless, the incident has sparked a public debate over decorum during a papal meet and greet.
The Vatican advises worshippers not to bend the knee in front of Francis who is said not to appreciate the practice.
Leave a comment
LATEST ON SQOOP
Chameleone’s manager Bijou and fiancée welcome first child
It was joy and happiness earlier today as Chameleone’s manager …NTV’s Faridah Nakazibwe lands ambassadorial role
Previously, it was Malaika Nnyanzi, Siima Sabitti, Sarah Kizito, and …Banamasaka: Uganda’s special people
Banamasaka have peculiar ways of exaggerating things. Straight outta… The …A year of dance, happiness and entertainment
Dance Party: Not many TV programmes make it to their …The more the merrier: Rema surprised by husband with inlaws for her birthday celebrations
Singer Rema Namakula’s will be adding yet another year to …UG Hip Hop Awards set to return in May
The MTN UG Hip Hop awards, the annual event that …