Pope Francis last caused irritations in the pilgrimage town of Loreto. Pilgrims who wanted to kiss his ring as a sign of loyalty usually kissed empty-handed. Why did the Pope pull his hand away?
The Vatican has now published a statement that Francis wanted to prevent the spread of germs among the many pilgrims, said Pope spokesman Alessandro Gisotti in Rome.
The kiss video had caused a lot of discussion in the internet since Monday. It shows how the 82-year-old Pontifex pulls a hand away during a visit to Loreto, wanting to kiss the fisherman's ring. On the Internet, the Pope has been criticized for humiliating people or breaking with church traditions. The video has been clicked millions of times.
In Video: Francis denies believers ring kisses
REUTERS
In the official transmission of the Vatican, the entire 14 minutes long scene can be seen. There it becomes clear that several faithful kiss his hand and the ring without hindrance.
In audiences, Francis often embraces and otherwise has little fear of contact. But several people, all kiss the same place? Even the Holy Father was worried about diseases that could spread like that.
Traditionally, popes is handed over at the inauguration of the ring. To show their devotion and worship, devout Catholics often kneel before the Pope and kiss him.
Francis, however, likes to be close to the people, repeatedly denounces the demonstration of power by church leaders and demands modesty. So he did not want a ring of solid gold, but "only" a gold-plated silver ring.