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Man Tries to Hitch a Ride on Popemobile

German vaults barrier in St. Peter's Square, approaches pontiff's car

By Greg Atwan, Newser User

Posted Jun 6, 2007 1:28 PM CDT

(Newser) – A German man made a leap of faith in St. Peter's Square in Rome today, apparently attempting to board Pope Benedict's Jeep. A Vatican spokesman said the 27-year-old was trying to "draw attention to himself" when he dove over a barricade toward the slow-moving Popemobile; the man was immediately tackled and taken in for psychiatric treatment.

The pontiff, who's also German, didn't appear to notice the jumper; he continued waving at the crowd gathered for his daily general audience. Security at St. Peter's was stepped up the 1981 assassination attempt on John Paul II and again after 9/11, but the pope still rolls without his trademark glass when he's at home.

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' (Associated Press)

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Man Tries to Hitch a Ride on Popemobile