The holidays tend to bring out the crazies, and this year was no different. Every year, faithful Catholics gather for Christmas Eve mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. This year, as Pope Benedict XVI was making his way to the podium to deliver his annual speech and holiday blessing, he was tackled to the ground by Susanna Maiolo, a Swiss-Italian woman.

While the Pope was not injured during the debacle, an elderly cardinal, Roger Etchegara, who also fell in the mayhem broke his hip and was rushed off to surgery. The irony of this whole thing is that Susanna Maiolo tried to tackle the Pope last year at Christmas mass (wearing the same exact clothing she was wearing this year,) and failed miserably.

Reports say Maiolo was labeled mentally unstable, and shipped off for necessary medical treatment.

For a guy who rides around in a bullet-proof popemobile, I’m a little surprised there isn’t more security as he’s walking around in public settings. The church itself recognizes the necessity of the people to feel close to their papal representative, but they will be taking greater security measures in the future. Being the shining example of love and forgiveness that he is, Pope Benedict will probably  not press charges against Maiolo.

Personally, I’d like to hear Maiolo’s side of the story. What exactly did she hope to accomplish by tackling the Pope, and what the hell was she thinking wearing the same shirt she wore last year?