Papal security tightened, but Vatican denies specific threats
September 22, 2014
Security measures have been reinforced around the Vatican in the wake of reports the Islamic terrorists have targeted Pope Francis. But the Pope has not curtailed his public activities.
Extra Italian police officers were assigned to St. Peter’s Square for the Pope’s regular public audience last Wednesday. While government officials said that there had been no specific threats, Italian interior minister Angelino Alfano reported that Rome was considered a “non-secondary” target of the Islamic State.
However, Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, pointed out during a September 22 briefing that during a visit to Albania the previous day, the Pope had been “on the move all day, being driven around the city of Tirana in the open-top car.” The Vatican spokesman said that Pope Francis has refused to allow security concerns to dampen his enthusiasm for direct contact with the public.
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Further information:
- Alfano last week warned Rome, Italy not 'secondary' targets (ANSA)
- Fr. Lombardi: Concerns over Pope’s safety were unfounded (Vatican Insider)
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