It is impossible to ensure 100% security for the pope without erecting a barrier between him and believers, the Vatican spokesman said after an attack at Benedict XVI on Thursday night.

A woman jumped a barrier and rushed at Pope Benedict XVI during the Christmas Eve Mass, for the second time in two years, managing to knock him down.

Benedict, 82, was not hurt and continued the procession to the altar at St. Peter's Basilica. On Friday, he delivered traditional Christmas greetings and urged people worldwide to abandon violence and coexist peacefully.

Rev. Federico Lombardi said the Vatican security service responds promptly, but cannot always prevent such incidents.

Lombardi told reporters on Saturday Susanna Maiolo, who attacked the pope, is in a clinic near Rome undergoing her forced medical treatment. The 25-year-old Swiss-Italian national was identified as mentally disturbed. She already made an attempt to reach the pope during the 2008 Christmas Mass, but was held by security.

MOSCOW, December 26 (RIA Novosti)