Pope Benedict met Susanna Maiolo, the woman who pulled him over at Mass on Christmas Eve, on Wednesday.
The two met privately after the Pope’s General Audience which Ms Maiolo had attended with her family. She apologised for the incident and the Pope personally forgave her and conveyed his good wishes for her health.
Ms Maiolo had been receiving psychiatric treatment at a clinic in Subiaco [Lazio] and was released at the weekend. She is now living at a secret location with family members.
Under the 1929 Lateran Treaty the Italian authorities handle the prosecution and detention of persons suspected of committing a crime within the Vatican City if the Vatican requests it.
Vatican officials are still investigating the Maiolo case but are unlikely to request a prosecution as she was unarmed, clearly has mental health issues and appears to genuinely regret the incident.
On Sunday the Pope’s controversial visit to the Great Synagogue in Rome is to go ahead.
