Pope Francis’s personal security detail was nearly doubled at his general audience on Wednesday in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.
Francis was surrounded by nearly 20 dark-suited bodyguards during his tour through St Peter’s Square aboard his open-sided popemobile, more than the normal 12 who usually jog alongside him.
At each of the two main gates to the square, six or eight carabinieri guards checked pilgrims with wands and searched bags, more than usual.
After Francis finished, carabinieri patrol cars constantly looped along the main boulevard leading to the square.
Francis himself alluded to the security situation in his remarks to the crowd of about 20,000, saying the Church must always keep its doors open.
“There are places in the world where you still don’t have to lock your doors, but there are so many other places where the doors are barred shut, and where that has become normal,” he said.
“We shouldn’t give in to the idea that we have to use this system, which is also for security.”
“Please, no armoured doors in the Church,” he said. “Nothing. Open doors.”
Meanwhile, Italy’s Interior Minister Angelino Alfano announced that drones will not be able to fly over Rome’s air space during the Holy Year of Mercy, starting on December 8.
Following repeated threats attributed to ISIS on social media against Rome and the Vatican, security would be tightened around sites considered potential targets, particularly in and around St Peter’s Square, Mr Alfano said.
“Particular attention has been dedicated to the risk of an attack from the air, using drones,” he said.
Rome’s prefect, Franco Gabrielli, said on Wednesday that law enforcement authorities were prepared to shoot down unauthorised drones and ultralight aircraft if they violate the airspace ban.
Sources
- Reuters
- Associated Press
- Image: Daily Mail