Now this is very creepy, I wonder if he is confessing his sins

He couldn't stand long enough to do that, nor could anyone for that matter

Either that or a half-assed attempt at a Vulcan mind meld.

Seriously, I think he just lost his balance while he was leaning forward talking to the Pope. It's another issue that he showed such incredible lack of respect for the holy father, by treating him with such familiarity.

Look at the Pope's face in this photo:

No, he wants to headbutt him