The head of the Catholic Church has stated that he "lost patience" when an "overzealous" woman grabbed his hand on Saint Peter's Square.
"We lose patience many times. It happens to me too. I apologise for the bad example given yesterday", Pope Francis said before performing Mass at the Vatican.
The statement comes after an incident that visibly disturbed the Pontiff's divine tranquillity when he was greeting people following the "Te Deum" prayer.
The exuberant woman grabbed the Pope's hand and appeared none too eager to let go of the Pope. The Pontiff then quickly pulled himself free and continued on his way.