Pope Francis has set the record straight about why he pulled his hand away when throngs of people lined up this week to kiss his ring: for fear of spreading germs. READ MORE:* Pope Francis avoids ring kissing* Abuse statistics found buried on Vatican's website* Vatican clarifies pope on issue of 'sexual slavery' of nuns"The Holy Father told me that the motivation was very simple: hygiene," Gisotti told reporters. The tradition of kissing the ring of a bishop or pope goes back centuries, as a sign of respect and obedience. SCREENSHOT/VATICAN TV Pope Francis moves his hand away as a man dips to kiss his ring. Several bent down to kiss his ring, and Francis patiently allowed it.

Source: Stuff March 28, 2019 13:52 UTC