December 24, 200916 yr Drama at the Vatican as the Pope is knocked to the floor by 'mentally unstable' woman who jumped barrier at Midnight Mass By Sara Nelson Last updated at 11:08 PM on 24th December 2009 Comments (12) Add to My Stories Enlarge Commotion: Pope Benedict XVI is helped to his seat moments after a woman jumped barriers and knocked the pontiff down The Pope has been knocked to the ground tonight during Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica by a woman who jumped the barriers, according to reports. Pope Benedict XVI was walking down the aisle to begin the traditional Christmas Eve service when the woman made her move. The pontiff's security guards rushed forward to help him back to his feet. The Rev. Ciro Benedettini said the Pope quickly got up, aided by the Master of Ceremonies, and was unhurt. Pope Benedict, 82, calmly resumed his walk to the basilica's main altar and began the Mass to applause from worshippers. Rev Benedettini said the woman who pushed the Pope appeared to be mentally unstable and had been arrested by Vatican police. He said she also knocked down Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, who was taken to hospital for a check up. It was the second year in a row there was a security breach at the service. At the end of last year's Mass a woman who had jumped the barriers got close to the Pope but was quickly blocked on the ground by security. Rev Benedettini said it was not immediately known if the same woman was behind tonight's incident. Enlarge Close call: Vatican security guards (in black) run past choristers towards the Pope after he was pushed over as crowds look on Enlarge Security scare: The Pope, who was said to be unhurt after the incident, takes Christmas Night Mass at St Peter's Basilica This year, Midnight Mass was brought forward to 10pm to ensure the Pope had enough energy to deliver his Christmas message the following day. Pope Benedict XVI needed ‘time to rest’ before his duties on Christmas Day, Vatican officials said. It is the first time the traditional ceremony has begun at a time other than midnight and will ensure the Pope is refreshed in time for his Urbi et Orbi blessing from St Peter’s at noon. Vatican officials have been quick to deny the Pope was ‘anything other than in good health’ but added: ‘The change is just a precaution you would take for any 82-year-old man. ‘He is very busy and the early start will mean an earlier finish.’ In the past, midnight Mass has not ended until well after 2am. Enlarge Blessing: Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the holy mass at the Vatican to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ Papal spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said: 'There is no cause for concern. The Pope is in good health. 'This was arranged a few months ago and relayed to broadcasters so they were aware for their planning.' Some local churches are also bringing forward their midnight masses to make it easier for young families and elderly worshippers to attend and return home safely afterwards. Transport problems and the fear of encountering rowdy drunks after the pubs close are also being cited as reasons to hold services earlier. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1238201/Pope-Benedict-XVI-knocked-floor-mentally-unstable-woman-jumped-barrier-Midnight-Mass.html#ixzz0aeR3uwPe
December 26, 200916 yr Enlarge Blessing: Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the holy mass at the Vatican to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ eep! run, its the Emperor!!
December 30, 200916 yr Author Pretty good he came out of a fall like that unscathed at 82. Maybe it was some kind of "divine intervention"!:rolleyes:
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