Vatican spokesman the Rev Lombardi said today that Ukrainian activist Yana Zhdanova was being held for questioning, and noted that the incident aimed to "intentionally offend the religious feelings" of numerous people. Possible charges include carrying out obscene acts in public, insults and theft.
A bare-chested Zhdanova grabbed the Baby Jesus statue about an hour after the pope offered his Christmas blessing yesterday. A Vatican guard immediately covered her with his cape and detained her, while Zhdanova, still clutching the figure, shouted "God is woman.