Summary

In Italy, a series of public slapping incidents, dubbed "New Year Slap Day," was sparked by Pope Francis slapping a woman's hand in St. Peter's Square, leading to chaos and a subsequent call for peace and forgiveness from the Pope.

Abstract

An unexpected wave of public slapping, termed "New Year Slap Day," erupted in Italy following an incident where Pope Francis slapped a woman's hand after she pulled him towards her on New Year's Eve. The Pope's action, captured on video, led to widespread imitation across Italy, with people slapping each other for minor infractions. The situation escalated to the point of requiring riot police intervention and overwhelming hospitals with injuries. The Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, and the Pope himself eventually appealed for an end to the violence. The Pope expressed regret and introduced the "11th Commandment," urging people to refrain from slapping, which successfully restored calm and returned Italy to normalcy.

Opinions

The Pope's initial reaction to slap a worshipper was seen as justified by the Holy See, suggesting that such actions can be a form of discipline to maintain obedience among the faithful.
The Italian government viewed the ensuing slapping incidents as a significant problem, leading to chaos and requiring intervention from riot police and hospital services.
The public's mimicry of the Pope's action indicates a perception that if the Pope can slap, so can ordinary citizens, reflecting a mix of humor and a lack of respect for personal boundaries.
The Pope's eventual apology and the introduction of the "11th Commandment" against slapping demonstrate a recognition of the impact of his actions and a commitment to promoting peace and forgiveness.
The incident and its aftermath highlight the influence of the Pope's actions on public behavior and the potential for a single event to spark widespread social phenomena.

HUMOR

If The Pope Slaps, So Can We!

An extraordinary reaction has swept through Italy on New Year 2020 which will long be remembered as New Year Slap Day. It all started with the Pope himself at St. Peter’s Square On New Year’s Eve. The Pontiff reacted angrily as a devout worshipper just wanted to touch his hand.

Is that all?

Not quite, as she also yanked his arm and probably caused him some pain. He reacted violently and slapped her hand. Just watch the video below and see for yourself. Seeing is believing. No need to have faith!

The reaction next day was violent. People started getting angry and slapping other people’s hands and wrists. This happened when

Somebody was pushed
Somebody jumped the queue
Somebody touched your supermarket trolley accidentally or on purpose
Somebody looked you in the eye and you thought they were nasty
Somebody touched your arm
Somebody touched your foot on the plane, on the bus or under the table

Rome and later the whole of Italy was plunged into chaos, yesterday which was New Year. But this New Year was different. Everybody who slapped another person shouted:-

“If the Pope Slaps, So Can I.”

New Year Slap Day was getting out of control.

Riot police were called in. A&E at hospitals were overwhelmed with people with arm, wrist and hand injuries. All public transport was canceled as it was impossible to travel without touching another person.

People were getting angry and government ministers pleaded with the Pope to step in and try to rectify the situation.

The initial reaction from the Pontiff was not at all encouraging.

A statement from the Holy See read:-

“The Pope was perfectly justified in slapping the pilgrim. Slaps are a great disciplinary way to keep the faithful obedient, devout and prayerful. Amen.”

The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella made another TV appearance. He had just done 20 minutes the evening before on New Year’s Eve, pleading with the nation to pull itself together and to make 2020 a year to remember.

He only had to wait a few hours, and the Pope ruined everything. He had to get the TV crews into Palazzo Quirinale again. He had to wear a different suit and tie. Then he made another long appeal to the nation. Basically, he told the nation to.

Stop slapping!

This took about 20 minutes so the whole nation yawned and they changed the channel and watched their favorite films on Netflix.

The Holy See was besieged by reporters and TV crews and ambassadors, undersecretaries and a host of other dignitaries poured in and out of the embassy.

The whole nation was grinding to a halt or just a massive slap.

The Pope celebrated Mass in his private chapel and asked God to intervene. God said:-

“It’s up to you. Remember to forgive and turn the other cheek or wrist or elbow or whatever.”

The Pope had a change of heart and made a plea to the whole nation on TV to stop slapping. Basically he said.

I am human
Sometimes I lose my patience
I am sorry
I will never slap a pilgrim again
Please follow my example.
I have decided to issue the 11th Commandment which is:-

“Thou shalt not slap.”

The whole nation began to relax. Abused husbands and girlfriends no longer had black eyes. The people calmed down, and the weather improved too. The sun came out.

People were kind, loving and considerate.

They kept on saying “After you!” This held up things considerably. Everything and everybody was late. GDP slowed for the first quarter of 2020 but soon picked up as people became normal once more.

The slapping stopped and Italy became a wonderful place again.