Pope Francis explains why he wouldn't let people kiss his ring

Pontiff concerned about spreading germs, spokesman says

Pope Francis has explained why he refused to let anyone kiss his ring after a video widely shared online showed him repeatedly pulling his hand away from people.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti revealed the pope was concerned about spreading germs when dozens of people lined up to greet him in Loreto, central Italy, on Monday.

A video of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed the Pontiff pulling his hand away to stop people from kissing his papal ring.

Some critics criticised him for what they claimed was his “graceless” disrespect for the tradition and those who wanted to honour it.

But Mr Gisotti told reporters: “The Holy Father told me that the motivation was very simple: hygiene.

“He wants to avoid the risk of contagion for the people, not for him.”

The tradition of kissing the ring of a bishop or pope goes back centuries, as a sign of respect and obedience.

Mr Gisotti said Pope Francis was more than happy to receive the ring-kiss in small groups, where the spread of germs is more contained.

He pointed out that the pope allowed several people to kiss his ring on Wednesday when a handful of people were lined up at the end of his general audience to greet him.

“You all know that he has a great joy in meeting and embracing people, and being embraced by them,” Mr Gisotti added.