Pope Benedict XVI held an audience on Wednesday with the woman who knocked him down at St. Peter's Basilica during the Christmas Eve service and forgave her for her actions.

Susanna Maiolo, 25, rushed at Pope Benedict as he led the traditional Christmas Eve procession to the altar. She managed to grab the Pontiff's gold and white vestments near his neck, sending him toppling to the floor. He got to his feet and continued the mass but looked a little upset and tired during the service.

The Pope met with Maiolo for only a few minutes to personally express his forgiveness. Maiolo, in turn, apologized for the incident.

Immediately following the Christmas Eve incident, Maiolo was sent to a psychiatric hospital where she underwent treatment and counseling for two weeks.

Holy See representatives have said the woman only wanted to hug the Pope and was unarmed.

VATICAN, January 13 (RIA Novosti)