tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702382876668711798.post8558816977150412509..comments2023-10-21T13:33:22.177+02:00Comments on Thoughts from a Catholic Oasis: Pope Benedict:: Security issues in St. Peter's BasilicaJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00419516065899508757noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702382876668711798.post-21832355218731383852009-12-29T03:07:43.904+01:002009-12-29T03:07:43.904+01:00I disagree, a sniper would take a shot at him on t...I disagree, a sniper would take a shot at him on the elevated Altar as well if he got in with a weapon. And a moving target is much harder to hit. The walking thing should go. He has been violently dragged to the marble floor once and this was attempted last year. Beef up the metal detectors and allow the Holy Father to be carried by the Sedia. If you simply allow him to continue walking down in processions surrounded by security then no one will see him at all. As it is people climb chairs, and push and shove to catch a glimpse. And if the faithful can not see him, he may as well not walk and save everyone the job of protecting him. He wants to be seen and the Sedia seems the best route at this point. If he denies it use again because of pressure for him not to, and someone gets to him again I bet many will hold their tongue. The Sedia with tightened security and metal detectors has not been tried yet. Walking has.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702382876668711798.post-46753121838245010992009-12-28T15:57:51.474+01:002009-12-28T15:57:51.474+01:00I agree the security when the Pope was in Paris an...I agree the security when the Pope was in Paris and Lourdes last year seemed to be impeccable. I spotted marksmen on many roof tops in Lourdes on his route and there were even a couple of marksmen on the high hill behind the outdoor altar watching his every movement.<br /><br />The CRS arrived in full force - I counted over twenty vanloads and of course the bullet proof <br />papamobile was used. It does seem ironic that Pope Benedict was so well protected on these visits and yet can be so vulnerable in St Peter's basilica.<br /><br />I seem to remember from tv that when the Royal Family go in procession for example up the Mall, the police are all facing the crowds presumably watching every movement. Many years ago they faced the road but I think this was changed after the attempted attack on Princess Anne.Could not the Swiss guard line up down the aisle and face the people thus preventing this sort of incident happening? Surely the pikes would deter even the most deranged from such an act?pelerinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702382876668711798.post-59500275501617228272009-12-26T22:51:30.682+01:002009-12-26T22:51:30.682+01:00Jane, I agree with you.
I think the Swiss Guard, ...Jane, I agree with you.<br /><br />I think the Swiss Guard, Italian Gendarme, and others, need to be reminded that St Peter's is Vatican soil. It is a Sovereign state in its own right, and they are protecting the SOVEREIGN Pontiff, and not just some Bishopp...Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17605146531776846589noreply@blogger.com