Security measures for the upcoming visit of Pope Leon XIV to France have been significantly ramped up, with 15,000 law enforcement personnel deployed in Paris and 1,000 in Lourdes, as announced by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The operation includes police officers, gendarmes, mobile units, and military personnel from Operation Sentinel, a nationwide initiative designed to enhance security in public spaces. The deployment is scheduled for September 25 and 26, during which the Pope will make several appearances across the country.
During the Pope’s travels, a "protection bubble" of foot police will accompany him in the papamobile, a specially modified vehicle used by the Pope for public appearances. This bubble is designed to detect any unusual movement in the crowd and ensure the Pope's safety. The visit includes several large public events, with 80,000 people expected to attend a mass at the Stade de France on Thursday and an estimated 500,000 people gathering in the Concorde-Champs-Elysées area the following day for another mass. Additional crowds are expected at the sanctuary in Lourdes, where 150,000 people are anticipated, and at the Metz cathedral, where several tens of thousands are expected to attend.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that no specific terrorist threats have been identified targeting the Pope’s visit. Additionally, no violent subversion threats from far-left or far-right groups have been detected. The security services have also not identified any planned protests against the Pope or the Catholic Church. This indicates that the preparations are focused on ensuring the safety of the Pope and the public rather than responding to specific threats.
The large-scale security operation underscores the importance of the Pope’s visit, which is expected to draw massive crowds and highlight the Catholic Church’s presence in France. Authorities are emphasizing vigilance and preparedness, ensuring that the event proceeds smoothly and safely for all participants.
Pope Leon XIV's Visit to France Mobilizes Thousands for Security Amid No Identified Threats
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