A woman assaulted Pope Benedict XVI as he processed down the aisle at St. Peter's Basilica at Rome as the Christmas Eve Mass commenced on December 24. The 82-year-old pontiff was knocked down by the woman dressed in a red who jumped barriers to reach him. The pope quickly stood up and is unhurt, according to a Vatican spokesman.
The woman was subdued by Vatican bodyguards as shocked gasps stirred the throngs packing the centuries old church. Following the assault, the bodyguards accompanied the pope to the main altar where he appeared to be somewhat shaken. He leaned heavily on aides and held an armrest as he sat in his chair.
The pontiff made no reference to the assault as the Mass began with the traditional wish for peace in Latin. "Pax vobis," said the pope, to the response from the congregation "Et cum spiritu tuo."
This is the second time in as many years that security was breached at the Vatican. At the end of Christmas Eve Mass in 2008, another woman jumped the barriers and managed to get near the pope before being subdued by security. Rumors have been sparked that this year's incident may involve the same "mentally unstable" woman.
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