Internet Culture

This viral video of Pope Francis not letting anyone kiss his hand is weird

He ain’t having it.

Photo of Mikael Thalen

Mikael Thalen

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Adherents of the Catholic faith were perplexed this week after Pope Francis was seen on video denying his followers attempts to kiss his ring.

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The longstanding papal tradition, which involves members of the church kissing rings worn by bishops, cardinals, and the pope, was rebuffed by Francis on Monday during a visit to Loreto, Italy.

The awkward video, which went viral on Twitter, shows Francis repeatedly pulling his hand away as a long line of devotees react confusedly.

https://twitter.com/CatholicSat/status/1110216790985113600

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The motive behind the Pope’s actions appears to be unknown, but the BBC has speculated that Francis was merely attempting to keep the line moving. After initially allowing 41 people to carry out the kissing gesture, Francis allegedly became impatient.

“Francis may not enjoy his ring being kissed, but it’s inaccurate to say that he rejected all those that day who attempted the gesture,” the BBC wrote.

The ring-kissing tradition, which for centuries was even a foot-kissing tradition, has the internet ablaze.

Some Catholics decried the move, arguing that the pope likely inflicted “heartache” on all those denied the ability to smooch.

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Others hailed the moved as proof of the Pope’s down-to-earth nature.

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And many, many others questioned why this dude deserves ring-kissing rights to begin with.

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https://twitter.com/BelleSmid/status/1110571648745439233

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Of course, no bizarre viral video would be complete without some meme reactions.

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https://twitter.com/menganita79/status/1110296102933356545

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The Daily Dot