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Security breach at Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY: A German man tried to jump into Pope Benedict XVI's uncovered Popemobile as the pontiff began his general audience on Wednesday, and held onto it for a few seconds before being wrestled to the ground by security officers.

The Pope was not hurt and did not even appear to notice that the man had vaulted over the protective barricade in St. Peter's Square and grabbed onto the back of the Popemobile.

At least eight security officers who were trailing the vehicle as it moved slowly through the square grabbed the man and pinned him to the ground. The Pope did not look back.

The Pope is protected by a combination of Swiss Guards, Vatican police and Italian police. A Vatican spokesman identified the man only as a 27-year-old German who showed signs of ``mental imbalance.''

The man was questioned by Vatican police, before being taken to a hospital for psychiatric assessment.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the Vatican has tightened security in St. Peter's Square when the Pope is present.

All visitors must pass by police to get into the square, with some going through metal detectors or being frisked by metal detecting wands. Nevertheless, anyone can attend. — AP

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