The Papal Hand Slap Divides Catholics and the Media

It was the hand swat seen ’round the world, drawing responses from folks on social media both defending and deploring Pope Francis’ reaction to an unexpected jerk on his arm on New Year’s Eve. After cheerfully greeting a long line of well-wishers on his way to the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, the pope had been suddenly grabbed by an overeager pilgrim, who yanked him closer to her as he appeared to step away. The pope, after attempting to pull himself free, slapped at her hand before Vatican security could intervene.