Perhaps it is only the touch of Catholics which bothers him.
Posted on 03/28/2019 2:37:51 PM PDT by Olog-hai
Pope Francis has set the record straight about why he pulled his hand away when throngs of people lined up this week to kiss his ring: for fear of spreading germs.
Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said Thursday that Francis was concerned about hygiene when, after greeting dozens of well-wishers in a lengthy receiving line Monday in Loreto, he began pulling his hand away to discourage people from kissing his ring.
Video of the incident went viral, with conservative critics blasting what they said was Francis’ “graceless” disrespect for the tradition and the faithful who wanted to honor it.
Gisotti said Thursday he had just spoken to the pope about it, and Francis replied that it was nothing of the sort.
“The Holy Father told me that the motivation was very simple: hygiene,” Gisotti told reporters. “He wants to avoid the risk of contagion for the people, not for him.” …
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
He’s the ‘Vicar of God’ and he can’t handle a few germs?.................
At Graduation, I sat in an inner seat so I wouldn't have to kiss the Bishop's ring. I thought it was degrading.
He’ll be doing the wash the feet bit soon.
I get this. Would gross me out, too. I’d wear a latex glove, put the ring on the outside and let them kiss away if they wanted to.
If his faith were strong he would not have to worry, God would be watching over him.
I truly do not understand this Pope. The Moody Pope.
If he really was so worried about germs, then tell the parishioners BEFORE they walk up to the altar to meet you.
His actions looked rude, elitist and even a little hostile.
Was anyone told of a change in protocol?
Or did he get an inner thrill out of humiliating these respectful Christians who wished to say that they spoke to The Pope? Maybe he’s tired of playing that role and should do as Pope Benedict XVI saw fit.
Did God create germs?
What he doesn't like is any sign thatit's not about "him" --- that it's the office he holds that warrants respect.
Kissing a ring is no more a matter of personal adulation than saluting an officer.
Actually it says ““He wants to avoid the risk of contagion for the people, not for him.””.
Which leads me to ask what hygiene or health issue does the Pope have that he’s afraid of spreading?
Who’d want to kiss his old nasty ring anyway? Gross!
Perhaps it is only the touch of Catholics which bothers him.
What a germaphobe. If people kissing his ring don’t care neither should he.
Such a fearful pope.
Gotta be kidding me. That’s like becoming President of the United States and saying you don’t like wearing a tie everyday. It’s part of the job, dope.
Spreading STDs is ok though.
The pope is a leftist. Leftists always find the organizations where the money and power are and take control. All the rich people foundations like ford rockefeller and annenberg were founded by rich conservatives but now only give money to leftist causes. AARP would logically be a conservative organization but they are run by leftists. Every college and university in the world. Corporations. Churches.
This from a guy who kisses prisoners’ feet on Maundy Thursday?
And here I almost respected him for this one moment of refusing to act like some kind of autocratic king.
Guess I should have known better.
I call BS on this.
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