France prepares extensive security operation for Pope Francis' upcoming visit
France is mobilising a massive police and military presence to safeguard the Pope's visit to Paris and Lourdes later this month.
In anticipation of Pope Francis' visit to France at the end of September, the French interior ministry disclosed plans for a comprehensive security deployment. Police, gendarmes, members of the mobile forces and soldiers from the Sentinelle operation will be positioned in Paris for the days when the Pope is expected to be most accessible to the public. Parallel preparations will take place in Lourdes, where authorities will ready the venue ahead of the pontiff's arrival.
Laurent Nuñez, the interior minister, outlined the scope of the effort, emphasizing the coordination among various law-enforcement and military units. The heightened security posture reflects concerns about crowd management and potential threats. Officials expect the measures to guarantee a safe environment for both the Pope and the thousands of pilgrims expected to gather.
