The Holy See denied reports by several news organizations of possible security threats to St. Peter’s and Vatican City.
European cities have been on heightened alert since last week’s terrorist attack in Paris. Islamic extremists entered the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo magazine and murdered 12 people. Panic gripped the country as a nationwide manhunt ended when the terrorists were killed by police after a gun battle near a printing factory.
Following the attack, concern spread that more attacks like those in France could occur in other European capitals.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, said that while security remains tight, “the Holy See has not been informed of specific risks by the security services of other Countries.”
<p>“The Holy See maintains its usual, appropriate contacts with the security services, and in view of the current situation advises a reasonable level of attention and prudence, but concrete and specific risks have not been indicated,” Fr. Lombardi said in a statement released by the press office.
Concluding his statement, the Vatican spokesman said that in light of false reports, there is no reason to cause concern “that would affect those who live and work in the Vatican and the many pilgrims and tourists who visit on a daily basis.”
