Pope Benedict’s three-day visit to Cyprus in early June is presenting the Cyprus authorities and police with a considerable security challenge.
The initial concern was finding a suitable car for the Pope to be transported in as the only bullet proof vehicle owned by the state is the presidential limousine.
The Pope’s usual mode of transport, a glass panned car informally named the pope-mobile, will not be brought to Cyprus as he does not plan to address crowds in public streets.
The problem was eventually resolved as the Pope will be loaned the President’s vehicle during his short stay.
Benedict XVI is scheduled to arrive at Paphos Airport on June 4, where he will be received by President Christofias and Archbishop Chrysostomos II.
He is set to leave from Larnaca Airport on June 6. The Pope’s every public move will be choreographed according to a security plan that began taking shape last month, after the Vatican’s head of security visited Cyprus to discuss protection measures with the Police Headquarters Operations.
The authorities are most concerned with the Pope’s three public appearances on the island.
One is to be held at the Ayia Kyriaki Church in Paphos and two in Nicosia, one in Tassos Papadopoulos Stadium and one in Eleftheria Stadium.
Over 20,000 followers are expected to attend the public mass at the Eleftheria Stadium.
The police have announced very few details about the Pope’s security plan except to say that specially trained members of the Rapid Reaction Unit will be present at all of his public appearances.
The Pope will be staying at the friary of the Holy Cross Church near Paphos Gate during his visit.
The UN will also be taking part in the security measures as the friary is located within the buffer zone.S
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