AFP is reporting that Archbishop Giuseppe Betori was in a car driven by his secretary last Friday when the gunman approached. Witnesses said the gunman appeared to be mentally unstable, unshaven and wearing a wool cap.

He reportedly asked to speak with the Archbishop but when the secretary rebuffed him, he pulled out a 7.65 calibre pistol and fired on the priest, injuring him in the abdomen. He then turned the weapon on the archbishop.

Archbishop Betori said the man said something starting with the words "you shouldn't say," but he could not make out the rest of the sentence.

The gunman then tried to fire at Betori but either his gun jammed or he thought better of it, investigators say.

Father Brogi underwent emergency surgery to repair his small intestine and is expected to survive.

Thus far, Florence police have picked up six homeless men for questioning and have agreed to step up protection for the Betori.

The Archbishop's only comment was that he was "full of pity" for his assailant.

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