Even before the liturgies were celebrated last night, there was news that something strange had happened at the Vatican during the 'midnight' Mass (actually celebrated this year at 10:00 pm local time). As it turns out, a Vatican spokesman says a woman jumped the barriers in St. Peter's Basilica and knocked down Pope Benedict XVI as he walked down the main aisle to begin Christmas Eve Mass.
The Rev. Ciro Benedettini said the pope quickly got up and was unhurt. Benedict, 82, calmly resumed his walk to the basilica's main altar and began the Mass late Thursday.
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.
The British Broadcasting Corporation tells the story in pictures.
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By now, most of the going and coming of Christmas day has ended. This was a day for families and friends to visit with one another, to exchange greetings and gifts, to share meals together, to participate in traditions of various kinds, and for strangers to meet once again.
For some of us, this was a day to be spent on the road (literally). Luckily, the traffic was relatively light due to the fact that most people have completed their traveling by this point, and are reunited with loved ones in various parts of our globe. As we arrived in this metropol, and deposited the travel companion at the place where he would spend the night, an unexpected pleasure was also afforded in the form of a contemporary from the days of formation, who happens to be the pastor at said parish. After a lapse of more than 15 years, we finally had a scant few moments to get caught up. It seems that we are in different worlds now, but there are still bonds that keep us together.
In addition, there were some other friends present, who share cohabitations and who happened to be visiting today. These new faces are now inserted in the list of those I've had the privilege of meeting, and look forward to spending more time with in the future.
Christmas traditions are important, so even though I don't get the opportunity of late to be present for the family morning rituals on Christmas day, I try my best to be here for the evening editions, and this year was no exception, although I think for some of those who were there, it was a surprise that I was able to join them. Nonetheless, stories were shared, we all got caught up and we had a wonderful meal together. Tomorrow, according to the established traditon, the family visits will continue, this time at our homestead, so I'm sure there will be preparations to be made, and lots of stories exchanged. Stay tuned for the updates.
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