Vatican ponders legal action
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Vatican is considering taking legal action against the 25-year-old woman who attacked the Pope at Christmas Eve mass, as questions are raised about the pontiff's security.
Susanna Maiolo, a Swiss-Italian national, broke through guards at St Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve and knocked Pope Benedict XVI to the floor. Although shaken, the 82-year-old pontiff was unhurt.
The Vatican said its justice officials would decide over the next few days what steps to take against Ms Maiolo. However, a spokesman said that Vatican justice "is usually benevolent", signalling Ms Maiolo will most likely be put into long-term care in an Italian psychiatric institution.
Father Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, said, "Ms Maiolo is known to the Vatican, but she was never thought to have been of any serious danger. If anything, the poor woman needs treatment, which is what she is getting."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments