A man who breached Vatican City’s gate and was fired upon is now receiving psychiatric treatment in a nearby hospital.

A man who forcibly entered Vatican City by driving through one of its gates was taken for psychiatric care at a local hospital on Friday after undergoing a brief interrogation. The Vatican confirmed that the man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was transported to the psychiatric ward at the Santo Spirito in Sassia hospital after spending the night at the Vatican police barracks.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening when the man, in his 40s, attempted to drive through the Santa Anna gate after being denied entry by the Swiss Guards. Despite being shot at by Vatican gendarmes who targeted his vehicle’s tyres, he continued to accelerate and only halted once he reached the Apostolic Palace courtyard, where he was apprehended.

The Vatican described the man as appearing agitated during the arrest. After a preliminary interrogation with a lawyer present, it was determined that he required compulsory psychiatric care. He was subsequently sent to the psychiatric ward for treatment.

Although his motivations remain unclear, the area around the hotel where Pope Francis resides was secured, and the internal gates leading to the piazza were closed. At the time of the breach, it is believed that the pope was staying at the Santa Marta hotel.

This rare intrusion into the highly restricted Vatican City, a place largely off-limits to the public, particularly after dark, highlights the unusual nature of the incident. Visitors may access the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica and museums, but access to other areas of the city-state requires special permission.