Clips showing the Pontiff pulling away his hand from people attempting to kiss his ring went viral all over the world
THE Pope has finally explained why he recoiled from ring-kissing worshippers - blaming the bizarre incident on GERMS.
Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said the Pontiff was simply worried about hygiene when meeting dozens of Catholics in Italy last Wednesday.
A clip showing Pope Francis pulling away his hand from people attempting to kiss his ring quickly went viral all over the world.
The leader of the Catholic church was even accused of shunning the centuries-old tradition.
However, "it was a simple question of hygiene" Mr Gisotti insisted on Thursday before adding he had asked the religious leader about the incident.
Mr Gisotti said with so many people queuing up to see the pontiff he was worried about the risk of spreading germs.
The 82-year-old Pope was said to be "amused" by the controversy, a papal aide told Reuters news agency.
Mr Gisotti added that the Pope "likes to embrace people and be embraced by people", and that he was happy to let people kiss his ring in small groups.
The bizarre footage emerged during a one day visit to the Holy House of Loreto basilica, near Ancona.
It was shown on Italian news site TGCOM 24 and led to speculation about his motive and also criticism for an apparent lack of respect.
The Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring has at its centre an engraving of St. Peter casting his net from a boat and the name of the reigning pontiff is inscribed on the rim.
The heavily symbolic ring represents his ‘marriage’ to the faithful, who kiss it as a mark of devotion.
Catholic Jennie Ribbel: “If the Pope didn’t want people to do it, why wouldn’t he change the protocol instead of humiliating people like this?”
Another twitter user posted: “I don't get why this Pope behaves the way he does.
“In some places, it is their custom to kiss the Pope's ring or the priests' hand. He should have known that instead of disrespecting the people like this.”
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