Pontiff thanks Italian police who serve around St. Peter's Square

February 29, 2016

Pope Francis met on February 29 with members of the Italian military-police force that patrols around St. Peter's Square, and thank them for their work.

The Pope acknowledged the "effective cooperation" with which the 150-man carabinieri squad has worked together with the Vatican's own security forces, particularly during public events of the Jubilee Year. This work, he said, "requires professionalism and a sense of responsibility as well as attention to people-- many of whom are elderly-- continuous patience and availability to all."

The Holy Father encouraged the the carabinieri to take advantage of the Year of Mercy as an opportunity "to be renewed, starting from an interior purification." 

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis meets with Carabinieri serving Vatican area (Vatican Radio)
• Pope praises work of Rome-St. Peter's Carabinieri squad (VIS)