World : Briton Disrupts Pope’s Audience

VATICAN CITY — A Briton was dragged out of Pope John Paul II’s general audience today after he jumped up, screamed “I am the son of God, I am Christ!” and told the Pope: “I’ll take your place.”

Security men, papal Swiss Guards and stewards immobilized the man after he rushed to an aisle from a seat at the back of the hall and appeared to head toward the stage where the Pope was sitting. Witnesses said the man, identified as Joseph McGovern, 23, of London, also claimed to have received revelations about the end of the world. McGovern was held for questioning but a Vatican spokesman said no charges would be brought.