Vatican defers to Italian officials in planning security for Jubilee Year
November 23, 2015
The Vatican’s chief spokesman has expressed his “utmost confidence” in plans by Italian security officials to safeguard pilgrims during the coming Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, said that Church leaders have deferred to Italian officials on questions of security. “It depends on the Italian authorities, and how they rate the situation,” he said. From the Vatican’s perspective, he said, “there was not a specific demand on increase security measures during the Jubilee.”
Rome’s police commission, Nicolo D’Angelo, has revealed that 2,000 extra police officers will be on the streets during the Jubilee. There will be more obvious police presence, he said, “to make our presence felt."
However, the prefect of the city of Rome, Franco Gabrielli, remarked: “The things you see are not the most important.” He explained that intelligence-gathering activities are vital to any effort to head off terrorist activity. D’Angelo, the police commissioner, said that police are in constant touch with Rome’s Muslim leaders, “and we are always exchanging information.”
The greatest challenge for security planners, city official agree, will come in the spring of 2016, especially around Easter time, when the number of pilgrims traveling to Rome is expected to peak.
For those who are worried about the threat of violence, Father Lombardi issued a reminder: “You do not have to come to Rome to access the spiritual benefits of the Jubilee.” The Vatican spokesman explained:
Everyone can celebrate in their Cathedral. There will be many Holy Doors opened, and anyone who wants to receive the fruits of the Jubilee Holy Door can do so in their own city, and with the same spiritual benefits.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Lombardi: "Utmost confidence" in Italian security for Jubilee (Vatican Radio)
- Rome unveils Jubilee security plan (ANSA)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
