Security measures during the conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis will be similar to those during the funeral of the late Roman Catholic leader, said Rome’s Prefect Lamberto Giannini today.
Giannini mentioned that it is difficult to predict when a new pope will be elected, and that tens of thousands of people would again come to Rome when the conclave begins on May 7.
He added that there is a possibility Rome will employ special security services if a new pope is elected within two weeks, as the traditional Angelus prayer will be offered at that time, reports Ansa.
“It is an unpredictable event, but we will be ready with all the forces we have available,” Giannini said after a meeting of the public order and security committee in Rome.
Pope Francis was buried last Saturday, with 400,000 believers in the streets of Rome and more than 2,000 police officers patrolling St. Peter’s Church and its surroundings, supported by 400 traffic police officers.
