There was an assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. It occurred in Vatican City, in St. Peter's Square. The one place no one would ever expect to find someone determined to kill the Pope. I am sure all police along the route of Pope Francis' travel are taking any threats seriously.
Pope Francis doesn't have a Secret Service. I remember when President Clinton was traveling, it was the secret service that put the puzzle together of a threat that became evident while the President was in the car. His route was changed at the last minute to avoid a bridge and it was a credible threat.
So, while no one believes Pope Francis could ever be harmed, there can be holes in his protections.
September 21, 2015
East Side (WABC)
Pope Francis (click here for video) is spending his final full day in Cuba before heading
to Washington Tuesday and then on to New York City, and heavy security
is already in place in the Big Apple.Police Commissioner William Bratton offered an all-encompassing rundown of what to expect during the visit, including the pope's visit to the United Nations on Friday. He will be the fifth pope to visit the UN and the fourth to speak there, meeting first with the secretary general and his family before addressing the staff of about 400 people and then the General Assembly.
At St. Patrick's Cathedral, where the pope will hold prayer service Thursday, there are still no visible signs of added security. But that is not the case at the Papal Nuncio on the Upper East Side, where he'll be staying during his visit. Huge multi-ton concrete barriers and vehicle barricades are being put in place. The townhouse will be as protected as the White House, and Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city is ready....
