I read the article: Woman Knocks Down Pope At Christmas Eve Mass. I was watching the televised Christmas Eve Mass from Vatican City and watched the mentally unstable woman grabbing the Pontiff by his vestments and hurling him to the ground. In turn, the Pope bumped into an elderly French Cardinal causing him to fall and break his femur. I wish the Cardinal a speedy recovery; I broke my leg several years ago and recuperation takes time, patience and prayers. I also commend Pope Benedict XVI for getting up since he was apparently unhurt, and continuing the service in a dignified manner.

Papal processions are admired for their solemnity and grandeur. However, they are so large that it makes it nearly impossible for security men to react when an incident happens. Several plain-clothes security officials were stationed near the altar of St Peter's Basilica but they were too far away to prevent the Pope from falling to the marble floor. Although the Vatican has implemented some new security-measures, I believe that papal processions need an extended buffer-zone along both sides of the main aisle of churches and cathedrals. I would suggest they allow three nuns to sit along the edge of the centre pews so they would be closest to the Pontiff and would thereby create a human buffer - so over exuberant spectators who attempt to jump the celebrants of the Mass would be hindered.

Allow three Knights of Malta to sit in the pew behind the nuns. And, for the next sequence: allow three Knights of the Holy Sepulchre to sit directly behind those Knights of the Order of Malta; and then alternate back to three more nuns, etc., etc.... in the succeeding pew behind that...with the same alternating rows.

With only those sets of trusted individuals forming a "human tunnel", this would enhance security greatly. This method would still allow ordinary folk to hear Mass but they would be just a few steps away from the Pontiff. Any sudden movements could be observed and hopefully restrained by "helping hands" of people with proven credentials who could either apprehend or slow down any intruders before they knock down clerics or at least shout words of warning to alert guards.

The Knights' garb would enhance the colour of the solemn festivities. The Knights of Malta and the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre have been capable and proven protectors of pilgrims for centuries. Now, they should take a more visible role in escorting the No. 1 pilgrim: the Vicar of Christ, the Bishop of Rome, the Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

We are living in an uncertain world. Too many people have either poor manners; a celebrity-seeking complex; mental instability; or a truly evil intent of causing bodily harm. The Swiss Guards alone cannot adequately protect the Pope. Nor can the security men in plain business-suits. We, as Christians, must care for our own by providing safe and orderly escorts along with taking our own initiative of being protective shields composed of caring hearts and capable hands to make such settings truly holy, in the true spirit of the occasion.