Man Sets Himself on Fire in Vatican City, Officials Also Rushed to Hospital for Burn Injuries, Smoke Inhalation

A 51-year-old man covered himself in gasoline, then lit a match in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.

Representatives from the Vatican told the Associated Press that the man, whose identity has not yet been released, suddenly set himself on fire on Wednesday.

He was rushed to a medical facility nearby, where he was treated for serious burns to his upper body. Officials later transported him to a larger hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

According to a statement released by the Vatican, a Jesuit priest who first saw the man ablaze tried to put out the flames using a jacket. Two police officers arrived at the site soon after with a fire extinguisher to douse the flames.

The two law enforcement officials suffered from smoke inhalation and burns on their hands. They were sent to the hospital as well.

The reason the man set himself on fire is still unknown. He reportedly had a piece of paper with his daughter's phone number scrawled on it with him at the time.

Reporters weren't allowed in St. Peter's Square immediately after the event, AP reported.

The Pope makes a weekly speech with a general audience in St. Peter's Square.