Pope Francis lashes out at faithful in Mexico after they almost pull him over

Pontiff stumbles and tells over-eager fans not to be 'selfish'

A video has emerged showing Pope Francis in a rare display of public anger, after over-eager members of the faithful almost pulled him to the ground in Mexico.

The pontiff was meeting the public during a colourful display to celebrate his visit in the western city of Morelia on Tuesday when the crowd surged towards him, pulling at his sleeve.

Francis maintained his usually serene exterior - until he stumbled and was dragged forwards into the audience, causing clear concern for members of his security detail.

Screengrab from a video showing Pope Francis angrily rebuking members of the crowd who almost pulled him to the ground

And once he had regained his balance, the pope himself issued an angry rebuke to the perpetrators, ordering them to let go and shouting: "Don't be selfish, don't be selfish."

The event continued for a few minutes while an announcement was issued over the tannoy urging people not to crowd together too closely, before Francis beat a retreat - possibly swifter than usual.

He will finish his five-day visit to Mexico on Wednesday with a trip to the Ciudad Juarez prison and a stop at the Texas border.

Francis has focussed throughout his visit on the rights of and injustices towards Mexico's poorest, and has been critical of the country's political and religious elite.