Pope Francis has apologised for slapping a woman’s hand who had grabbed him as he greeted a crowd of devotees - shortly before he delivered a speech denouncing 'every form of violence against women.'

The image of a visibly annoyed Pope slapping his way free from the clutches of an admirer as he walked by Catholic faithful on New Year's Eve instantly went viral on social media.

A personal apology followed.

He confessed we lose patience many times adding it happens to him too.

Pope Francis says he apologies for the bad example given.

[Source: Daily Mail]