An otherwise serene Pope Francis lost his cool momentarily on New Year's eve when a woman devotee pulled at the pontiff's arm while he was greeting the faithfuls in St Peter's Square here.

As the 83-year-old Pope turned away after greeting the pilgrims standing behind the barricades along the kerbside to have a look at the nativity scene at the St Peter's square, the woman caught hold of his arm and pulled him close after he had extended his hand towards her.

A visibly annoyed pontiff gave a couple of light taps on her arm to get himself freed from her grip, even as his security personnel and accompanying officials intervened.

The Pope looked upset after the incident as he walked away from the crowd.IANS