VATICAN CITY, March 31 (UPI) -- Pope John Paul II has been urged to wear a bullet-proof vest by U.S. security officials, but has declined to do so, the news agency ANSA reports.
"There has been no specific threat" on the pope's life, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls said. He was commenting on published reports the pope had been urged by American security to wear the vest during Easter celebrations when he is surrounded by huge crowds.
Vatican sources told ANSA no changes have been made in the Vatican security arrangements for Easter. The pope will use the papamobile as usual to move through the crowds in St. Peter's Square and during his general audiences.
Similar warnings of possible terrorist attacks on St. Peter's were made last Christmas. On that occasion Italian police reinforced Vatican security, but Pope John Paul celebrated midnight mass and presided over other scheduled ceremonies. He will have a similarly heavy schedule of public appearances during Easter Week.
