Security tightened around St. Peter's Square for Jubilee Year

December 07, 2015

Italian police officials have ramped up security precautions around St. Peter’s Square dramatically in the final days before the opening of the Jubilee Year.

Italian journalists, who had reported a doubling of police presence around the Vatican for last week’s Wednesday papal audience, saw another jump in the number of police in evidence during the Pope’s Sunday audience on December 6. Security measures were more stringent, with officials checking parcels and briefcases in and around St. Peter’s Square.

The city of Rome has banned vendors’ vans from the area around the Vatican square for the Jubilee Year, and restricted the areas open to commercial van elsewhere in the city during special events for the Year of Mercy. Vendors who sell souvenirs and snacks around the Vatican will be hard hit by the regulations.

The level of tension among security officials was illustrated on Saturday, December 5, when an Italian journalist was arrested for carrying a plastic gun as she entered St. Peter’s Square. Ironically, the journalist had been filming a story about security arrangements, using the plastic gun as a prop. Police indicated that they plan to press charges, viewing her actions as irresponsible.

Security concerns have been high because of persistent reports that Islamic terrorists view Rome, and particularly the Vatican, as a high-priority target. Vatican officials and their Italian counterparts have said that they have no indications of any specific plans for an attack, however.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Snack vans ban in St. Peter's area (ANSA)
• Reporter sparks alarm over Rome toy gun stunt (The Local)