By DPA,
Rome: 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.