( dpa ) - A man armed with a knife injured two people Friday in the Sao Paulo Cathedral during a mass to mark the city's 454-year existence, Brazilian media reported.
The celebration presided over by Cardinal Odilo Scherer drew high- level public officials, including the national ministers of social security and labour and Sao Paulo Mayor Gilberto Kassab.
The attacker, who was reportedly drunk, attended the mass some 3 metres away from the authorities and began screaming.
"Kill me, Sao Paulo! I don't want to die of hunger!" he shouted.
He waved a rusty knife and was quickly controlled by security guards.
One man suffered abdominal and hand injuries and a militarized police officer suffered a cut to his hand as he tried to grab the knife. None of the injuries were serious.
Authorities said the 45-year-old man has a police record for theft and robbery.