"Pope Francis blesses controversial ‘Pachamama’ statue before opening Amazon synod"

"Video footage of the indigenous ritual that took place in the Vatican Gardens on Oct. 4 as a prelude to the opening of the Amazon Synod shows Pope Francis being presented with the controversial wooden 'Pachamama' statue and then blessing it.

The footage shows an indigenous woman approaching Pope Francis with the wooden statue. They bow to each other. She then blesses herself. The Pope then imitates her and blesses himself. She reaches for his hand and shakes it. The Pope then appears to reach out and touch the statue before proceeding to bless it. As the woman turns to go away, another indigenous person motions to her that she is to give the statue to the Pope. She then turns back to Pope Francis and hands him the statue. The Pope receives it with a bow."