An individual drove a car and rammed an access door to the Vatican, managing to enter the courtyard of San Damaso, located inside the apostolic palace. Subsequently, the man stopped, got out of the vehicle, and surrendered to police officers.
According to the Vatican press office, it was reported that the man, who presented a serious state of mental disturbance, violently entered his car through the door of Santa Ana, one of the multiple entrances that give access to the city-state. It should be noted that the man had previously attempted to enter the Vatican but was repelled by the Guard. However, on this occasion, he maneuvered the vehicle to accelerate and passed through both the gate and a second checkpoint.
Faced with the illegal intrusion into the Vatican and in an attempt to stop the vehicle, a gendarmerie inspector shot at the front wheels of the car. However, the car continued on its way.
Immediately, the gendarmes activated the alarm and blocked access to Santa Marta Square, where Pope Francis’ residence is located. The offender, approximately 40 years old, was arrested and placed in a cell at the Gendarmerie Barracks.