An unprecedented incident occurred at St. Peter’s Square today when a woman—identity unknown—suddenly rushed toward newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, shouting that he was “a fraud” and “her husband.” The outburst shocked the thousands of faithful gathered to witness the Pope’s first public blessing and has sent shockwaves through both the media and the global Catholic Church.

Unexpected Incident During Solemn Ceremony

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time, as Pope Leo XIV was giving his first blessing to the public just days after assuming the papacy. As he approached the front rows to greet and bless the faithful, a woman estimated to be in her 40s broke through security barriers and screamed:

“Don’t let him fool you! He’s my husband! I am his wife!”

Vatican police and security forces responded immediately, restraining the woman within seconds. No one was injured in the event, but the atmosphere turned tense and chaotic. Pope Leo XIV, visibly startled, was swiftly escorted to safety while the crowd stood in disbelief—many were seen crying or shouting in confusion.

The Woman’s Identity and Controversial Allegations

The woman was taken into custody at the Vatican police station for questioning. According to early reports from Italian media, she is believed to be a citizen of Argentina—the same country of origin as Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Manuel Ortega before his recent election to the papacy.

She claimed to have had a “long-standing romantic relationship” with Cardinal Ortega before he moved to Vatican City and alleged that they had even been “secretly married,” insisting she had “irrefutable proof” to support her story.

As of now, the Vatican has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.

Vatican’s Response and Reactions from the Faithful

The Vatican quickly issued a brief press statement, saying: “A disruptive incident occurred during this morning’s ceremony. Pope Leo XIV is safe and unharmed. Authorities are conducting a full investigation. We urge the public to remain calm and avoid unfounded speculation.”

Despite the statement, the event has sparked widespread controversy across social media and among the global Catholic community. While many believe the woman is a delusional fame-seeker, others have raised questions about the Pope’s personal history and whether there might be any truth to her claims.

Some analysts note that Leo XIV, a relatively unknown figure in the Vatican hierarchy prior to his election—the first South American pope since Pope Francis nearly a century ago—has a past that remains largely unexamined by the global public.

Pope Leo XIV: A Leader Drawing Attention

Leo XIV, born Manuel Ortega, was elected Pope on May 2, 2025, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88. Ortega gained a reputation as a reform-minded cleric, known for his outreach to Argentina’s poor and his strong stance against corruption within the Church.

In the first few days of his papacy, Leo XIV has emphasized a Church that is “closer to the poor and forgotten,” stirring hope among many for a more compassionate and grounded Vatican leadership.

However, today’s incident may cast a shadow over that hopeful image, at least temporarily.

What Happens Next?

According to Vatican spokespersons, the woman will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before any legal proceedings are considered. Meanwhile, international media outlets are scrambling to uncover any potential link between her and Pope Leo XIV. Vatican police are reviewing video footage and eyewitness testimonies to determine exactly what transpired.

Many experts believe this was likely the act of an unstable individual seeking attention. Still, they stress that the Vatican must act swiftly and transparently to handle the media fallout and preserve the integrity of the Pope and the Church.

The incident remains under active investigation. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.