See Why Pope Francis Catholics Refuse Faithfuls Kissing His Hand [Photos/Video]
Records seems to have been set straight as to why Pope Francis pulls 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 throngs of well-wishers in a lengthy receiving line Monday in Loreto, he began pulling his hand away.
Video of the incident went viral, with conservative critics blasting what they said was Francis’ disrespect for the tradition.
Gisotti said Thursday it was nothing of the sort. He noted that Francis is more than happy to receive the greeting in small groups, as he did Wednesday when plenty kissed his ring during his general audience.
The Pope was filmed withdrawing his hand as he greeted worshippers at the Italian pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Loreto on Monday.
But he appeared reluctant to allow the laity to pay him the respect of kissing his ring – simple silver with a cross – the sacred symbol of the Pope’s union to the Church.
The move divided opinion in the Church, with some believing the Pope should allow them the privilege, while others say it is a dated practice harking back to when Popes were crowned like monarchs.
Papal biographer Austen Ivereigh, a supporter of Francis, tweeted: ‘He’s making sure that they engage with him, not treat him like a sacred relic. He’s the Vicar of Christ, not a Roman emperor.’
‘It’s high time kissing bishops’ rings disappears altogether. It’s just ridiculous and has nothing to do with tradition. It’s an import from monarchies. Much of the pomp around bishops should be ditched,’ Tweeted Jesuit priest Russell Pollitt.
Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said Thursday that Francis was concerned about hygiene when, after greeting throngs of well-wishers in a lengthy receiving line Monday in Loreto, he began pulling his hand away.
Video of the incident went viral, with conservative critics blasting what they said was Francis’ disrespect for the tradition.
Gisotti said Thursday it was nothing of the sort. He noted that Francis is more than happy to receive the greeting in small groups, as he did Wednesday when plenty kissed his ring during his general audience.
The Pope was filmed withdrawing his hand as he greeted worshippers at the Italian pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Loreto on Monday.
But he appeared reluctant to allow the laity to pay him the respect of kissing his ring – simple silver with a cross – the sacred symbol of the Pope’s union to the Church.
The move divided opinion in the Church, with some believing the Pope should allow them the privilege, while others say it is a dated practice harking back to when Popes were crowned like monarchs.
Papal biographer Austen Ivereigh, a supporter of Francis, tweeted: ‘He’s making sure that they engage with him, not treat him like a sacred relic. He’s the Vicar of Christ, not a Roman emperor.’
‘It’s high time kissing bishops’ rings disappears altogether. It’s just ridiculous and has nothing to do with tradition. It’s an import from monarchies. Much of the pomp around bishops should be ditched,’ Tweeted Jesuit priest Russell Pollitt.
source:
https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/see-why-pope-francis-catholics-refuse.html
Comments
Post a Comment