Vatican vows prompt inquiry into attack

VATICAN CITY, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Vatican said Monday it will conduct a prompt investigation to determine if a woman should be charged for allegedly attacking Pope Benedict XVI.

The Italian news agency ANSA said dual Swiss and Italian citizen Susanna Maiolo is accused of attacking the 82-year-old head of the Catholic Church during Christmas Eve Mass at St Peter's Basilica.

Maiolo allegedly threw the pope to the ground during the incident, which resulted in Cardinal Roger Etchegaray breaking one of his legs. The pope was not hurt in the holiday incident.

Maiolo allegedly told authorities she simply wanted to touch the religious leader, not hurt him. The 25-year-old woman reportedly has a history of mental problems.

Vatican investigator Nicola Picardi said the Vatican's investigation into the incident would take less than a week.

ANSA said if Maiolo does face charges in a Vatican court and is convicted, she would serve out any jail sentences in Italy or Switzerland.