The Vatican Friday defended security for Pope Benedict XVI after the pontiff was floored by a deranged woman's midnight mass attack, DPA reported.
A Vatican spokesman 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.
Father Federico Lombardi was asked by reporters how Susanna Maiolo managed to jump over a barrier in St Peter's Basilica and throw herself at the 82-year-old pontiff, grabbing his shawl and causing him to fall.
Lombardi, said such incidents were difficult to avoid given the pope's wish to be in contact with his flock.
Lombardi was also asked why Maiolo, 25, had been allowed to enter St Peter's on Thursday night given that she also tried to accost the pope at midnight mass a year earlier, but was blocked by guards before she could reach him.
The woman, who holds Swiss and Italian citizenship, had "not appeared dangerous," Lombardi replied.
Maiolo, who suffers from psychological problems, is currently under observation at Rome medical facility, the spokesman said.
A senior Vatican cleric, 87-year-old French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, who also fell in the midnight mass scuffle, was receiving treatment for a fractured femur in a Rome hospital.
Asked if any legal action would be taken against Maiolo, Lombardi smiled and replied: "The Holy See's justice is usually benevolent."
Earlier Friday Benedict, showing no apparent affects from the fall, delivered his Christmas Day message and blessing from the main balcony of St Peter's Basilica,
Shortly after Thursday night's incident, Benedict was helped to his feet by aides, and taking hold once again of the golden cross he was carrying before being knocked down, continued to lead the procession for the beginning of the mass and then later delivering his homily as scheduled.
Maiolo is not the first person to have attempted to accost the pontiff.
In June 2007 a young German man tried to jump into Benedict's uncovered popemobile as the pontiff was being driven around St Peter's Square before his weekly general audience
The man held onto the papal vehicle for a few seconds before being wrestled to the ground by security officers. Benedict who appeared not to notice the incident continued to hold his audience as if nothing had happened.