Pope Attack Raises Security Concerns

The Vatican will review security procedures after a woman jumped a barrier and rushed at Pope Benedict XVI for the second time in two years, this time managing to knock him down before being pulled away by guards, the Vatican spokesman said Friday.

Benedict, 82, wasn’t hurt and delivered his traditional Christmas Daygreetings in 65 languages from the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square. While a bit unsteady at first, he also delivered a short speech about the world’s trouble spots without problem.

The incident in St. Peter’s Basilica raised fresh questions about security for the pontiff, however, after officials said the woman involved had jumped the barrier at the 2008 Midnight Mass in a failed bid to get to the pope. She even wore the same red-hooded sweat shirt.

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Much like when the United States Secret Services has a breach you can believe there will be some finger pointing and people held accountable.  In the end, I think this incident will result in some altered security changes for the Popes movements among crowds, much like the introduction of the Popemobile after 1981.

Footage of the attack and security response.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpDffQJjm9c[/youtube]