Pope uninjured by Christmas Eve incident
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Vatican City, Dec 25, 2009 / 07:34 pm (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI took a fall at Thursday evening’s Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica when he was pulled to the ground by a woman who jumped a barrier and appeared to try to hug him. The Pontiff was not hurt, but Cardinal Roger Etchegaray of France who was nearby was also thrown to floor and suffered a broken leg.

The Italian Daily La Repubblica reported that Benedict XVI, members of the Roman curia and other clergy were processing into the basilica to begin Mass on Christmas Eve when Susanna Maiolo, a young Italian-Swiss national, leaped a barrier and attempted to run to the Pope.  She was met by a security guard before she reached the Holy Father, but as she fell away from him she managed to grab at the Pontiff and pull him down with her.

Pope Benedict was not hurt, but the 87-year old Cardinal Etchegaray was taken immediately to the emergency room where it was found that he had sustained a fractured femur.  The Mass continued without any further disturbances.  

This is the second time Maiolo has attempted to embrace the Pope at the Christmas Mass.  Last year, she was caught before she got within reach of the Pontiff.  It is reported that she suffers from psychiatric problems and meant the Pope no harm.

The Vatican is reviewing its security procedures following the incident.

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: jane
thomasville, ga, usa 01/04/2010 01:30 PM EST
If this lady wants an embrace from our Pontiff, then maybe he might consider going to her and giving her an embrace. Surely it can't hurt our Pope if he has someone with him to balance out the situation and it just might possibly end the continuous need of this woman. Afterall, don't we all want hugs once in a while? Even our Lord Jesus states to us that He desires our Love. Are we really any different?
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Published by: HGL
Paris/France 12/27/2009 10:15 AM EST
Psychiatric problems or problems with psychiatry? Did she do it out of madness or of a "mad" embrace of his gospel of submission to that kind of institution?
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Published by: DLL
scituate Mass 12/26/2009 04:07 AM EST
A true embrace is the way someone embraces affection for another in the heart,it doesn't ever have to be physical. This is a way to love those that we feel close to and even strangers as well as God,this kind of love we can take to community in prayer. This is a prayer for peace and love it is also a way to pray for the Pope as well as the flock that he shepherds.
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