Papal security on alert: Activist disrupts Rome procession
On Sunday, during Pope Francis's visit to Rome, a dangerous incident took place. Suddenly, a man ran from the crowd, rushing toward the pope's car. Fortunately, the security services quickly responded.
On Sunday, 8th December, Pope Francis was passing through the Spanish Steps in Rome. He stopped to pay tribute to the statue of the Immaculate Conception located there. According to Italian media, an unexpected incident occurred at that moment.
Suddenly, a man emerged from the crowd, running straight towards one of the vehicles in the papal procession. Shortly after, another three people appeared. According to the ANSA agency, the alleged perpetrator of this disturbing event was a Spanish activist who was participating in a protest against bullfighting.
He wanted to attack Pope Francis
Thanks to the quick response from the security services, including the papal guard, the situation was rapidly brought under control. As a result of the intervention, the Spanish activist, two Germans, and one Briton were detained, and they were taken in for questioning.
Fortunately, nothing happened to the pope, and after a short break, he was able to continue his visit to the square.
The Italian daily "Quotidiano Nazionale" reminds us that this is not the first time Pope Francis has been the target of protests related to bullfighting. Back in August of this year, two representatives of the organisation PETA participated in a demonstration during a papal audience in the Paul VI Hall, holding banners saying: "Bullfighting is a sin." This time, according to media reports, activists protested in a similar way, holding posters with slogans expressing opposition to this brutal tradition.
Pope Francis with a bruise. What happened?
During Saturday's audiences, the pope's face showed noticeable bruises—two under the chin and a significant bruise on the lower part of his cheek. Initially, it was unclear where they came from, but it turned out they were the result of an injury the pope sustained on Friday, December 6th.
The pope's press office reported that Francis hit his face on a nightstand. Although the injuries were visible, the pope didn't seem particularly troubled by them, and his state of health did not raise significant concern.
