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Pope Benedict XVI gets knocked down, delivers Mass despite assault (Video)

By April MacIntyre Dec 26, 2009, 3:44 GMT

A handout picture released by the Osservatore Romano shows Pope Benedict XVI (R) delivering the Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day message EPA/OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Pope Benedict XVI took a direct hit from a mentally ill female onlooker, but regained his composure and still delivered the traditional Catholic Mass to the milllions of the faithful worldwide from Vatican City. 

The pope is protected by Swiss Guards, Vatican police and Italian police.

The pontiff delivered his traditional Christmas Day blessing Friday just hours after being knocked down by the woman who jumped the barrier at the start of Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

The Vatican released a statement saying the pope was unhurt in the fall and that his schedule would remain unchanged.

Unfortunately, the woman also knocked over French cardinal Roger Etchegaray, an 87-year-old Vatican diplomat, and broke his hip.   He is reportedly in Rome's Gemelli hospital, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said to the Associated Press.

The pope issued his Christmas greetings in 65 different languages and commented on the effects of the world financial crisis, worldwide conflicts and the plight of the "tiny flock" of Christians in Iraq.

"At times it is subject to violence and injustice, but it remains determined to make its own contribution to the building of a society opposed to the logic of conflict and the rejection of one's neighbor," he said.

The Associated Press reported that it was Susanna Maiolo, 25, a Swiss-Italian national with psychiatric problems who assaulted the pontiff. She had tried to do the same thing last year, according to reports, but was intercepted by security.

Maiolo jumped the barricade and grabbed Benedict's vestments and pulled him down with her, according to witness video posted below, obtained by The Associated Press.

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Benedict did not address the incident and celebrated the Mass per tradition.

According to the AP, the pope will serve the homeless people at a Rome soup kitchen for lunch on Sunday. He will preside at a vespers service on Dec. 31, celebrate Mass on New Year's Day and another one to mark Epiphany on Jan. 6, and then baptize babies in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 10.