Pope Francis has apologised after slapping a woman’s hand as he greeted pilgrims at the Vatican on New Year’s Eve.
The woman in question would not let go, a gesture which appeared to cause him pain, and he slapped at her hand before pulling his hand free.
The Catholic Church will be conducting an enquiry to decide if any foul play was intentional, via the ‘Vatican Altar Repeal’ system more widely known as VAR.
If they conclude he crossed a line, it would not be the first time an Argentinian has used the ‘Hand of God’ to their advantage.