VATICAN CITY — The Vatican says the woman who jumped the barricade and toppled Pope Benedict XVI to the floor during Christmas Eve Mass is the same one who tried to reach him at Midnight Mass last year.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi has identified the woman as Susanna Maiolo, a Swiss-Italian national with psychiatric problems. He said Maiolo was not armed and was taken to a clinic for treatment after the incident.
Vatican officials speaking on condition of anonymity said Maiolo is now being sought by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. Russ Brandon, General Manager of the team said, "This woman has the talent we are looking for. With her speed an agility, we expect to bring her in to fill a key defensive position immediately."
In both cases she wore a red sweat shirt.