Despite safety risks, fearless Pope Francis refuses to be kept apart from his f lock
Advised to wear a bulletproof vest
POPE Francis has been advised to wear a bulletproof vest when he says Mass at Knock and in the Phoenix Park next Saturday and Sunday, the Mail can reveal.
However, the Pope is likely to refuse such a request as he has previously said he doesn’t ‘have any fear’, despite admitting he may the target of an attack.
The Pontiff has previously said he will continue to travel without bulletproof vehicles or heavy security because he wants to get close to the people.
Unlike his predecessors, who used bulletproof Popemobiles or limousines, Francis uses ordinary cars on international trips, often in contrast to the leaders who greet him. However, he’s been advised to wear the vest while visiting Knock, where he will lead the 40,000 pilgrims in prayer, and when he says Mass at the closing of the World Meeting of Families next Sunday amid security fears.
A security source said: ‘The visit of a significant world leader such as Pope Francis to Ireland obviously poses a level of threat when we look at international terrorism. While an attack on the Pope is possible, the threat level in Ireland is low to moderate, so we would expect the visit to be peaceful.
‘The security advice in Ireland would be for any world leader or religious figure such as Pope Francis to wear a bulletproof vest amongst large crowds. Given that the Phoenix Park is an open-air Mass, it would make sense for the Pope to wear one for his protection. However, a security team will travel with Pope Francis from the Vatican and they will make their own decisions, so it’s up to the Pope himself and, in the past, he has turned down such offers.’
In 2015 Pope Francis ignored pleas from Italian police to wear a bulletproof vest during his Christmas message, despite threats by Islamic State (Isis) about a planned attack on Rome.
He also refused to wear a bulletproof vest or use a shield on the Popemobile during his visit to the Central African Republic in 2015, in the wake of the Paris attacks.
And during a trip to Egypt last year, he turned down armoured vehicles, despite terror attacks against Christians in that country.
The Holy Father prefers to travel in open vehicles, or ones that are not bulletproof, because he feels that allows him to better interact with the people on the streets.
Speaking last year, Pope Francis said of his personal security: ‘I am aware of the risks involved. Maybe I’m reckless, but I must say I don’t have any fear for myself, but I’m always worried about the safety of those who travel with me and, above all that, of the people I meet in various countries.
‘There is always the risk of a rash gesture by a madman. But the Lord is always there. I can’t bring myself to move around in bulletproof cars or in closed Popemobiles with bulletproof glass.’
Security sources told the Mail last week that there will be at least one sniper at Knock’s airport and others around the Basilica.
A source said: ‘A ring of steel in terms of security measures is now in place for the Knock element to the visit. Up to three snipers will be in position in Knock. All measures to protect the Pope are being taken.’
Meanwhile, the lack of confirmation, so far, on whether Francis will meet abuse survivors is adding to fears of anti-Pope sentiment.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said ‘time is very tight’ during the visit. Sources say this could spark anger among protesters, increasing security concerns.
Dr Martin said he was pushing the Vatican to have the Pope meet a cross-section of survivors of industrial schools, Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes and those who suffered from clerical sex abuse. However, he said Pope Francis will spend only 36 hours in Ireland.
Around 500,000 people are expected to attend the World Meeting of Families closing Mass in the Phoenix Park next Sunday.
The Vatican had not responded to this newspaper regarding the Pope’s security at time of going to print.