Security Tightened At The Vatican Over Fear Of Possible Attacks

Italian media reports that security has been tightened in Saint Peter’s Square after intelligence services discovered a possible plan to attack the Vatican, increasing fears Pope Francis could be in danger. A conversation between two Arab speakers was intercepted earlier this week and the speakers referred to “a demonstrative act, Wednesday, at the Vatican,” Il Messaggero daily reported.

Wednesday is the day the pope holds his weekly general audience in the square in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Checks by Italy’s anti-terrorism unit revealed that one of the speakers passed through the country eight months ago, heightening concerns the threat may be real.

The number of uniformed and plain clothes police patrolling St Peter’s Square during the Pope’s weekly audiences on Sunday and Wednesday has been increased, sniffer dogs are being used and extra metal detector machines have been installed.

Some worry the pope has made himself a target by speaking out against the Islamic State group and having the Holy See voice support for US air strikes in Iraq.

There have been warnings that ISIS militants may be plotting to attack the pope but these warning have been shrugged off by the Vatican, but security has nonetheless been increased for his Wednesday and Sunday audiences, the paper added.

Jihadists in recent weeks boasted of wanting to extend their caliphate to Rome, the heart of Western Christendom, and have talked of planting the jihadist black flag on top of St Peter’s Basilica.

Source - Gistus