'I'm gunna take my shoe off and throw it at his head': Hot mic catches woman making threats at Pope Francis moments before he walked into Congress

  • Wolf Blitzer was waiting for the Pope to appear in Congress earlier today
  • Went silent in order to capture the 'natural sounds' of the Pope's entrance
  • Woman with a southern accent can then be heard making the threat
  • No shoes were thrown as the Pontiff walked in before giving his speech

Welcomed to St Andrew's airbase by cheering crowds and a beaming President yesterday, it seems that Pope Francis's welcome to Capitol Hill nearly turned out very differently earlier today.

Just before Francis walked into the House chamber to give the first ever address by a sitting Pontiff, a microphone captured a woman saying: 'I'm gunna take my shoe off and throw it at his head.'

The woman, who is not shown but has a strong southern accent, was caught out after CNN's Wolf Blitzer went silent to capture 'the natural sounds' of Pope Francis's introduction.

Pope Francis was given a warm welcome by politicians of all stripes today as he traveled to Congress to give the first ever speech in the House by a sitting Pontiff

Pope Francis was given a warm welcome by politicians of all stripes today as he traveled to Congress to give the first ever speech in the House by a sitting Pontiff

However, it seems that not everybody was happy to see him, as a CNN microphone caught one woman saying she was going to 'throw my shoe at his head' shortly before Francis appeared

However, it seems that not everybody was happy to see him, as a CNN microphone caught one woman saying she was going to 'throw my shoe at his head' shortly before Francis appeared

While it is not known what the woman's gripe with the Pope was, she was perhaps voicing frustration from some conservative circles at Francis's notably liberal stance - particularly on climate change.

Francis's opposition to the death penalty, firmly anti-gun stance, and appeal to help immigrants from both Syria and Mexico in his speech to congress today has also caused some consternation.

It is not clear whether anyone in the Holy See's security detail heard the remark, or if the woman was allowed to stay after making it, but no shoe was thrown as he entered the chamber.

Once inside, Francis delivered a speech which was roundly praised by Democrats, though welcomed in a muted fashion by Republicans at some points.

Addressing a packed chamber, Francis spoke of the migrant crisis, saying: 'When the stranger in our midst appeals to us, we must not repeat the sins and the errors of the past.

'We must resolve now to live as nobly and as justly as possible, as we educate new generations not to turn their back on our “neighbors” and everything around us.'

What became of the woman, who cannot be seen during the clip, is unknown - but no shoes were thrown as Francis entered the Chamber before delivering a highly political speech

What became of the woman, who cannot be seen during the clip, is unknown - but no shoes were thrown as Francis entered the Chamber before delivering a highly political speech

Francis went on to speak about immigration, climate change, the death penalty and abortion during his speech - which was received with slightly muted applause from some Republican circles

Francis went on to speak about immigration, climate change, the death penalty and abortion during his speech - which was received with slightly muted applause from some Republican circles

Speaking in English – a language he has learned only recently – Francis also dropped coded messages to conservatives about gay marriage and abortion.

'I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without. Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family.' 

He then made an impassioned plea for a left-leaning approach to capital punishment. 

The woman's threat towards Pope Francis echoes the famous incident back in 2008 when George W. Bush was forced to dodge two shoes thrown at him as he gave a speech in Baghdad.

During a press conference at the Prime Minister's Palace, journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi launched his attack, shouting 'This is a farewell ... you dog!' before being escorted out.

 

 

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