time in the Vatican's history.
(CNN) -- An unidentified person tried to reach Pope Benedict XVI during the start of midnight Mass on Thursday but was intercepted by security, the Vatican said.
The pope fell to the floor during the scuffle but continued with the ceremony.
For the first time in the Vatican's long history, midnight Mass on Christmas eve was celebrated two hours earlier, at 10pm.
Vatican officials made the decision several weeks ago which prompted fears that the Pope's health may be at risk -- a concern papal staff deny.
"It is a sensible precaution (and) there is no cause for concern or alarm," Vatican spokesman Frederico Lombardi told Agence France-Presse.
The Christmas season is one of Pope Benedict XVI's busiest periods and officials say they did not want to "tire his holiness" out for the important Urbi et Orbi blessing from St Peter's Basilica at noon.
The Vatican hopes the 10pm mass will be finished by midnight.
In the past, midnight mass sometimes went well into the early hours of the morning.
This will be the first time the world famous Christmas mass will not be held at midnight.
Pope Benedict will turn 83 on April 16.
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