Pope to the rescue as policewoman is thrown from horse

Pope Francis rushed to the aid of a police officer thrown from her horse during a parade yesterday.

The popemobile came to an abrupt halt after the officer fell from her rearing horse within inches of the Pope’s motorcade.

Francis promptly descended from his popemobile in Iquique, Chile, to check on the officer, who had been on guard while he and his entourage passed by.

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The pontiff had been celebrating mass in the city when the dramatic scenes unfolded.

Francis stood by the woman until an ambulance arrived with a stretcher and took her away, before resuming his ride.

The Vatican said the woman was conscious “and received some words of consolation from the Holy Father”.

The Pope had met victims of sexual abuse by priests during his visit to Chile; he had also faced criticism for ordaining a bishop accused of covering up abuse by a priest.

He has since arrived in Peru.