Pope Francis is facing criticism for slapping a woman on the hand after she grabbed him while he greeted people on New Years Eve.
Video footage shows the pontiff appearing visibly annoyed as he was pulled towards a crowd of admirers in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
As the woman attempted to speak to him, he hit out at her hand in an attempt to free himself from her grip.
The 83-year-old Pope had been walking through the square to visit a large Nativity display.
Pope Francis has said sorry for hitting the hand of a woman who grabbed him and yanked him towards her.
He admits he lost his patience with her in St Peter's Square yesterday as he was admiring the Vatican's Nativity scene.
The Pontiff’s said 'excuse me' for the bad example.
