Pope Francis has apologized for hitting the hand of a well-wisher who grabbed him and yanked him toward her.
In his new year’s wishes to the public in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Francis confessed to losing his patience with the woman while he was strolling in the square Tuesday night to admire the Vatican’s Nativity scene.
Cameras captured the scene when the woman, from behind a barrier, reached out and grabbed the pope’s hand, pulling him violently toward her. Francis reacted sharply, exclaimed something and then slapped her hand so she would let him go. Frowning in anger, he turned and strode away.
- The U.K. just banned smoking for life for youth. Should Canada do the same?
- Iran attacks 3 ships hours after Trump announces ceasefire extension
- ‘China is not a solution’ to Canada’s problems with the U.S., Kovrig says
- ‘Horrible scene’: Vancouver group was visiting Mexico pyramid when shots rang out
In his impromptu remarks Wednesday, Francis said “so many times we lose patience. Me, too.” He then added “I say ‘excuse me’ for the bad example” he gave in the incident Tuesday.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.