Pope Benedict on first outing after attack

Rome, Dec 27

Pope Benedict XVI made his first trip outside the Vatican amid tight security Sunday - three days after he was floored by a reportedly deranged woman at midnight mass in St Peter's Basilica.

The 82-year-old pontiff visited the Catholic community of Sant'Egidio community area of Trastevere in Rome, where he dined with the poor.

Italian police and Vatican security officials are under pressure to ensure Benedict's safety in the wake of the incident Thursday night, in which Susanna Maiolo, 25, jumped over a barrier in St Peter's Basilica and threw herself at the pontiff, grabbing his shawl and causing him to fall.

The pope appeared relaxed at Trastevere and smiled as he greeted the crowd, including several children, near the barrier. The Vatican's chief of police, Domenico Giani was at his side.

A Vatican spokesman, speaking after Thursday's incident, said it was not possible to place "100 per cent armour," around the pope, since this would prevent him from carrying out his pastoral mission among the faithful.

Last updated on Dec 27^th, 2009 at 19:26 pm IST--DPA

Possibly related news:

By Jim at Dec 27, 2009 8:44 PM IST

Bring back the sedia gestatoria. This would restore some of the dignity that the papacy has lost in the last half century, as well as be a more secure form of procession for the pope.

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