On Dec. 31, while Pope Francis greeted pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square, this happened.
The pope, clearly upset, reprimanded this woman who had aggressively pulled his hand. Pope Francis likely reacted out of fear at the unexpected gesture. He could have also been hurt by the violent movement. At 83 years old, he suffers from back and leg pain.
The clip went viral and received a variety of comments, many negative.
During the Angelus prayer on Jan. 1, Pope Francis apologized for this moment in which he said he lost his patience.
POPE FRANCIS
“Many times we lose our patience. I do too, and so I apologize for the bad example I set yesterday.”
Also on Dec. 31, a few minutes before this episode which received so much attention, this happened.
This little boy fell from the railing while he tried to greet the pope. Pope Francis realized this and didn't leave him until making sure the boy was completely fine.
Ángeles Conde