Pope Benedict Attacked, Knocked down at Christmas Mass

Security guards escort the Pope after he was attacked and knocked down by a mentally instable woman shortly before Christmas Eve Mass. Photo by BGNES

Pope Benedict has been attacked and knocked down just before the traditional Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's in Rome.

The incident lasted only a few seconds and was caught on camera by at least one eyewitness, BBC reports Friday.

A woman, dressed in a red hooded sweatshirt, leaped over the barrier towards the Pope, prompting gasps from the crowd. The attacker, said to be mentally unstable, managed to grab the pontiff by his vestments near the neck area as a security guard tried to overwhelm her.

The Vatican said she had also tried to jump over the barrier and attack the Pope last year.

Pope Benedict fell down, but is said to have not been hurt during the attack and was able to proceed with the Christmas Mass, but appeared shaken and stumbled over some words.

French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, 87, was standing a few meters away and fell and broke his leg during the incident.

The service in the Vatican started two hours early because officials did not want the pontiff, 82, to get tired.

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