Pope says sorry for slapping devotee
Pope Francis yesterday apologised for his widely-viewed slap of a woman who had grabbed his hand as he greeted Catholic faithful on New Year’s Eve. Francis had greeted children before the Nativity scene on Saint Peter’s square and was turning away when the woman who had crossed herself then cried out something, pulled on his hand and almost caused him to fall. The 83-year-old pope grimaced before managing to break free by slapping her hand twice. He continued his tour, walking with some difficulty while maintaining a slightly greater distance from visitors, and gradually relaxed again as he came into contact with other children. “We lose patience many times,” Francis said in his apology. “It happens to me too. I apologise for the bad example given yesterday,” the head of the Catholic church said.
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