Security: the Day of Four Popes

The canonization ceremony of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II began Sunday at 10 a.m., local time in Rome. It was presided over by Pope Francis, in the presence of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

In view of the global reach of this event, which besides the highest ecclesiastical authorities was attended by heads of state, sovereigns, heads of government and foreign affairs ministers as well as by several thousands of faithful, the Police in Rome put in place tight security measures to ensure security and safety of everyone during the ceremony.

Security measures allowed for the maximum visibility and largest participation in the event. A "maximum security area" was established outside the Vatican City.

Visitors arrived by national and international special trains, and charter flights for pilgrims (approx. 60) at Ciampino and Fiumicino airports.

At highway tolls and inside the city, the Traffic Police, the Carabinieri, and the Provincial Police provided guidance to car and bus drivers carrying the faithful on how to reach dedicated parking areas. About 1700 buses of pilgrims arrived from Poland alone.

Accurate inspections and clearances were carried out in the area surrounding the Vatican City, including underground checks. Police vessels and divers patrolled the Tiber River along the stretch to the Vatican City, from Ponte Sisto to Ponte Umberto I.

The Municipality of Rome provided for medical emergency services, extra bus and metro service, big screens across the capital to watch the ceremony live.

Italian