The Holy See has released a radical feminist activist who bared her breasts in St Peter's Square on Christmas Day and snatched the statue of Baby Jesus from the Vatican's outdoor Nativity scene.

The Holy See prosecutor met Yana Zhdanova and decided to order her release, according to Vatican spokesman the Rev Federico Lombardi.

The Ukrainian protester was also ordered to never enter Vatican City State, including St Peter's Basilica, or other Vatican property outside the city-state's walls.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said at the time of the arrest that the woman was accused of vilification of religion, obscene acts in public, and theft. He said her action "offended the religious feelings of many people".

A Vatican policeman stopped Zhdanova, who had "God is woman" written on her chest, and covered her with his cape. She staged her protest shortly after Pope Francis had finished reading his Christmas greeting to the crowd.

Femen activists have staged protests at the Vatican before, the latest last month, and have been let go. But Lombardi said the Vatican had decided to be firm this time and arrest Azhdanova because her action was "particularly grave".

Lombardi said the group had "intentionally, repeatedly and gravely violated the right of the faithful to see their legitimate religious convictions respected".

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