He was roused by Vatican's master of ceremonies when he fell asleep in front of thousands of people during an outdoor mass in Malta

Pope Benedict XVI briefly nodded off in front of tens of thousands of people during an outdoor mass in Malta's capital, Valletta.
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The Pope slumped forward around halfway through the mass, which was held just outside the historic stone walls encircling the city.

He had to be roused by the Vatican's master of ceremonies, Bishop Guido Marini, who was sitting next to him and gently nudged him.

"It was just for a few seconds," said an onlooker. "He slumped forward onto his chest."

JUST LIKE US...The Pope slumped forward onto his chest as he fell asleep for a few seconds during mass yesterday. PIC/AP

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