Defence: Security Ensured for the Enthronement Ceremony of Pope Leo XIV

Minister Crosetto: “A Historic Day, Defence at the Service of Freedom and Peace”

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On the occasion of the enthronement ceremony of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Ministry of Defence contributed to the security of the event through a joint task force composed of personnel, ground vehicles, and aircraft. The security system ensured airspace control, prevention of conventional and hybrid threats, maintenance of public order, and protection of both physical and digital spaces.

“Security is the foundation of freedom. Today, the Armed Forces operated in the heart of Christianity to safeguard a moment of great international significance for all believers and members of the Christian community,” stated the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto. “Technology, preparation, and a spirit of service enabled a silent yet decisive contribution: a tangible example of the value Italy can offer.”

Approximately 1,000 men and women from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Carabinieri supported the Police Forces and worked in close coordination with public security authorities, ensuring safety within the Vatican area and along Rome’s main roadways. Ground vehicles, C/UAS systems for neutralizing hostile drones, and medical units integrated with the Red Cross were also deployed: an Advanced Medical Post, four ambulances (including one from the Navy with medical personnel), and 15 hospital beds at the “Celio” Military Polyclinic.

The Air Force placed F-2000 and F-35 aircraft on operational standby for airspace control, along with drones for monitoring and data collection, coordinated by the Aerospace Operations Command.

The task force will remain active in the hours following the ceremony, in coordination with Vatican authorities and State institutions.

IL MINISTRO