Vatican guards shot at the wheels of a car that forced its way past the checkpoint at the Porta Sant’Anna entrance, on the evening of May 18. The car was driven by a 40-year-old, an Italian citizen, who showed symptoms of being deranged. The man had had a previous history with drugs and, after being arrested, was moved to a psychiatric facility. He told the police that he wanted to talk to the Pope.
The car managed to reach the Cortile di San Damaso, the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, before being stopped. The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of Popes; however, Pope Francis lives in the Santa Marta residence nearby, and goes to the Apostolic Palace only for audiences, and for reciting the Angelus and the Sunday Regina Coeli.
The Cardinal Secretary of State lives on the second floor of the Palace.
