La Paz, Bolivia, Jul 9, 2015 / 10:45 am (CNA/EWTN News).- When leftist Bolivian president Evo Morales on Thursday presented Pope Francis with a “communist crucifix” – a carving of Christ crucified on the hammer of a hammer and sickle – the Pope’s only reaction was to say, “This is not ok,” while shaking his head.

Shortly after his July 8 arrival at the Bolivian administrative capital of La Paz, Pope Francis made a courtesy visit to Morales at the Palace of Government. At such meetings, the leaders customarily exchange gifts; Pope Francis gave the Bolivian president a mosaic of the Marian icon of the “Salus Populus Romani,” her role as patroness of Rome.

Morales explained what his gift to the Pope was as he gave it to him. In the video, filmed by the Vatican Television Center and transmitted throughout the world, the Pope’s disapproval of the gift can be seen, and he says “No está bien eso” – “This is not ok” – while shaking his head.

While the audio is a bit marred by the clicking of journalists’ cameras, the embarrassment of the Pope seems clear.

Read the article “Pope Francis Not Amused by ‘Communist Crucifix’” on catholicnewsagency.com.