Pope Benedict XVI has had a short meeting with the woman who knocked him to the ground at the Christmas vigil mass in Saint Peter's.

The Vatican said she told the pope she was sorry and he offered her his forgiveness. Susanna Maiolo, a 25-year-old Swiss-Italian dual national, was accompanied by two relatives during the audience.

On Christmas Eve, she jumped over barriers and charged at the pontiff just before he was due to begin mass. She was stopped by security staff but the pope fell to the ground. He was unhurt, but a French cardinal broke his leg. Ms Maiolo later said she meant no harm but the motive for her attack remains a mystery.

photo: Pope Benedict XVI (EPA/ANP)