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Pope's security detail doubled over terror concerns

The increase came although no specific threats have been directed at Pope Francis.

By Ed Adamczyk
Security concerns have caused an increase of police in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. UPI/Keizo Mori
Security concerns have caused an increase of police in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. UPI/Keizo Mori | License Photo

VATICAN CITY, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The threat of a possible terrorist attack has prompted the doubling of security around the Vatican's St. Peter's Square.

Although no specific threats were reported, additional police were deployed at Pope Francis' outdoor general audience Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA quoted unidentified sources in reporting that a "maximum level of vigilance" and a "high level of alarm" has been a part of Vatican routine.

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Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said the city of Rome, as the cradle of Christianity, could be regarded as "non-secondary" targets by Islamic State militants. He stressed that no evidence of plans for terrorism haa been identified.

Earlier this week the Vatican said it had not uncovered any specific threat against the Pope, who will travel to Tirana, Albania, a city with a Muslim majority.

There is no reason to change the pope's itinerary...or way of traveling," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.

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