The 'Pope Francis Slap' meme originated from a viral video captured on New Year's Eve in 2019, where Pope Francis visibly lost his temper and slapped the hand of a pilgrim who had grabbed him and pulled him toward her. While the Pope later apologized for his 'bad example' of losing patience, the internet quickly transformed the intense moment into a template for swift rejection and setting boundaries. It is primarily used to illustrate a person or entity aggressively swatting away an unwanted annoyance, a bad habit, or an impending disaster. The meme's longevity is rooted in the rare, relatable human moment from a global figure usually known for extreme composure.