23
Apr 2025
13:20 UTC
Europe Tactical (UPDATE): Heightened security measures enacted in Rome, Vatican City, mourning periods announced in multiple countries regionwide for Pope Francis as of April 23; remain cognizant of updates
Current Situation
- Authorities in Vatican City and Rome, Italy, have announced additional security measures following the death of Pope Francis. Security measures have been in effect as of April 21 and will continue throughout the funeral proceedings of Pope Francis on April 26. Details on the measures are as follows:
- This safety area “red zone”, which is under a parking ban and can be entered only by passing through security checkpoints, is delineated by the following roads and squares: Piazza del Risorgimento, Largo del Colonnato, Via dei Corridori, Borgo Sant’Angelo, Via della Traspontina, Via Pio X, Borgo Santo Spirito, Largo degli Alicorni, Via Paolo VI, and Piazza Sant’Uffizio.
- Gated entry points equipped with metal detectors have been established in the entrances to Vatican City. Entry from the Borgo district has been closed, with access permitted only through designated points at Piazza del Risorgimento and Piazza Pia.
Source: Roma Mobilita
- Authorities in Vatican City and Rome, Italy, have announced additional security measures following the death of Pope Francis. Security measures have been in effect as of April 21 and will continue throughout the funeral proceedings of Pope Francis on April 26. Details on the measures are as follows:
- This safety area “red zone”, which is under a parking ban and can be entered only by passing through security checkpoints, is delineated by the following roads and squares: Piazza del Risorgimento, Largo del Colonnato, Via dei Corridori, Borgo Sant’Angelo, Via della Traspontina, Via Pio X, Borgo Santo Spirito, Largo degli Alicorni, Via Paolo VI, and Piazza Sant’Uffizio.
- Gated entry points equipped with metal detectors have been established in the entrances to Vatican City. Entry from the Borgo district has been closed, with access permitted only through designated points at Piazza del Risorgimento and Piazza Pia.
Source: Roma Mobilita
- The exact funeral procession route has not yet been announced. Reports indicate that a potential route may travel via the following: Corso Vittorio, Piazza Venezia, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and Via Cavour to the burial location at Santa Maria Maggiore.
- The exact funeral procession route has not yet been announced. Reports indicate that a potential route may travel via the following: Corso Vittorio, Piazza Venezia, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and Via Cavour to the burial location at Santa Maria Maggiore.
- In addition to carabinieri and police, sharpshooters, bomb disposal officers, canine units, and NBCR (Nuclear, Bacteriological, Chemical, and Radiological) units have been deployed throughout Rome and Vatican City as a precautionary measure.
- Systems designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been deployed by the armed forces. A no-fly zone has been established over Rome for the duration of the funeral events.
- Authorities have estimated that over 200,000 attendees will arrive for the funeral proceedings, including over 150 foreign delegations.
- Security is also bolstered at key neighborhoods where foreign dignitaries are expected to stay. This includes Villa Taverna in the Parioli district, the residence of the US Ambassador, where President Donald Trump is expected to reside during his stay. President Trump is slated to arrive in Rome on April 25 and depart following the funeral on April 26.
Source: Corriere Della Sera
- In addition to carabinieri and police, sharpshooters, bomb disposal officers, canine units, and NBCR (Nuclear, Bacteriological, Chemical, and Radiological) units have been deployed throughout Rome and Vatican City as a precautionary measure.
- Systems designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been deployed by the armed forces. A no-fly zone has been established over Rome for the duration of the funeral events.
- Authorities have estimated that over 200,000 attendees will arrive for the funeral proceedings, including over 150 foreign delegations.
- Security is also bolstered at key neighborhoods where foreign dignitaries are expected to stay. This includes Villa Taverna in the Parioli district, the residence of the US Ambassador, where President Donald Trump is expected to reside during his stay. President Trump is slated to arrive in Rome on April 25 and depart following the funeral on April 26.
Source: Corriere Della Sera
- Additional security personnel will be stationed at key transport hubs, including Termini, Ottaviano, and San Giovanni stations. Further staffing increases are scheduled for Parco di Centocelle Metro C station beginning April 25, and at Cipro and Piramide subway stations on April 26.
Source: ATAC
- Additional security personnel will be stationed at key transport hubs, including Termini, Ottaviano, and San Giovanni stations. Further staffing increases are scheduled for Parco di Centocelle Metro C station beginning April 25, and at Cipro and Piramide subway stations on April 26.
Source: ATAC
- In Italy, the government has announced a nationwide five-day period of mourning, which began in the afternoon hours (local time) of April 22 and will continue through April 26.
- Some sporting and other large-scale events have been cancelled, while others will continue, albeit at a reduced capacity. However, the mourning period does not constitute a national holiday.
- Government officials will be obliged to cancel all appointments.
Source: Vesuviolive
- In Italy, the government has announced a nationwide five-day period of mourning, which began in the afternoon hours (local time) of April 22 and will continue through April 26.
- Some sporting and other large-scale events have been cancelled, while others will continue, albeit at a reduced capacity. However, the mourning period does not constitute a national holiday.
- Government officials will be obliged to cancel all appointments.
Source: Vesuviolive
- The Polish government has declared April 26, the day of the Pope’s funeral, a day of national mourning. While large-scale events are usually canceled during such days, it does not constitute a national holiday.
Source: Polskie Radio
- The Polish government has declared April 26, the day of the Pope’s funeral, a day of national mourning. While large-scale events are usually canceled during such days, it does not constitute a national holiday.
Source: Polskie Radio
- In Portugal, a three-day period of national mourning will be observed from April 24-26.
Source: The Portugal News
- In Portugal, a three-day period of national mourning will be observed from April 24-26.
Source: The Portugal News
- The Council of Ministers of Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) has also declared April 26 a national Day of Mourning. Public events will be cancelled or proceed in a limited capacity.
Source: Sarajevo Times
- The Council of Ministers of Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) has also declared April 26 a national Day of Mourning. Public events will be cancelled or proceed in a limited capacity.
Source: Sarajevo Times
- In Malta, a day of national mourning will be observed on April 26. All government activities will be cancelled, as will sporting events.
Source: Malta Today
- In Malta, a day of national mourning will be observed on April 26. All government activities will be cancelled, as will sporting events.
Source: Malta Today
- In Hungary, a day of mourning will be observed on April 26.
Source: Kormany.hu
- In Hungary, a day of mourning will be observed on April 26.
Source: Kormany.hu
Assessments & Forecast
- Visitors from both Rome and countries regionwide are expected to travel to the Vatican City and Rome en masse in the coming days to participate in mourning proceedings, with crowds liable to reach turnouts between the low to mid hundreds of thousands during the time of the funeral on April 26, as estimated by authorities.
- Although the heightened security measures are likely in place as precautionary measures, they underline the potential for threat actors to attempt to attack or disrupt funeral proceedings. This is especially the case for extremist actors, as the expected large turnout, extensive media coverage, presence of high-profile individuals, and the symbolism associated with the religious ceremonies make the event a credible target for attacks. Such threats are liable to emanate from jihadist actors, far-left or far-right extremist groups, or lone actors with other ideological or political motivations. Moreover, both far-left and far-right protest groups may attempt to disrupt the funeral procession as a protest action.
- FORECAST: As such, in addition to the announced security precautions, armed police, barricades including bollards, road closures, and security checkpoints are expected along the funeral procession route on April 26.
- FORECAST: Moreover, given the expected attendance of various world leaders and politicians, other areas of Rome where they are expected to reside will also likely see heightened security measures. Road closures and security checkpoints are likely to be implemented in the Parioli district, particularly surrounding Villa Taverna, given the expected attendance of US President Trump. In addition to standard heightened security measures related to visits by US presidents, there is also a credible risk of protests against Trump, likely leading to further security. As such, severe disruptions to traffic are expected in this area.
- In addition to the aforementioned cancelled events, other official events, as well as various public and religious gatherings, including sporting and entertainment, are liable to be postponed or cancelled over the coming days and weeks. While the aforementioned mourning periods are not expected to result in large-scale disruptions to business continuity, as they are not public holidays, some businesses may be closed during the scheduled funeral timings.
- Religious and memorial events, including masses, are expected to persist nationwide. As such, while travel disruptions are liable to be most severe in Rome, they should also be expected across Italy. Other Catholic-majority countries, as well as countries with significant Catholic populations, are expected to see disruptions as well, although on a smaller scale, due to memorial events.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Rome and Vatican City on April 23 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates due to the death of Pope Francis and associated funeral events. Allot for travel-related disruptions.
- Those operating or residing in Europe on April 23 and in the coming days are advised to allot for disruptions associated with religious services or mourning periods related to the death of Pope Francis.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Current Situation
- Authorities in Vatican City and Rome, Italy, have announced additional security measures following the death of Pope Francis. Security measures have been in effect as of April 21 and will continue throughout the funeral proceedings of Pope Francis on April 26. Details on the measures are as follows:
- This safety area “red zone”, which is under a parking ban and can be entered only by passing through security checkpoints, is delineated by the following roads and squares: Piazza del Risorgimento, Largo del Colonnato, Via dei Corridori, Borgo Sant’Angelo, Via della Traspontina, Via Pio X, Borgo Santo Spirito, Largo degli Alicorni, Via Paolo VI, and Piazza Sant’Uffizio.
- Gated entry points equipped with metal detectors have been established in the entrances to Vatican City. Entry from the Borgo district has been closed, with access permitted only through designated points at Piazza del Risorgimento and Piazza Pia.
Source: Roma Mobilita
- Authorities in Vatican City and Rome, Italy, have announced additional security measures following the death of Pope Francis. Security measures have been in effect as of April 21 and will continue throughout the funeral proceedings of Pope Francis on April 26. Details on the measures are as follows:
- This safety area “red zone”, which is under a parking ban and can be entered only by passing through security checkpoints, is delineated by the following roads and squares: Piazza del Risorgimento, Largo del Colonnato, Via dei Corridori, Borgo Sant’Angelo, Via della Traspontina, Via Pio X, Borgo Santo Spirito, Largo degli Alicorni, Via Paolo VI, and Piazza Sant’Uffizio.
- Gated entry points equipped with metal detectors have been established in the entrances to Vatican City. Entry from the Borgo district has been closed, with access permitted only through designated points at Piazza del Risorgimento and Piazza Pia.
Source: Roma Mobilita
- The exact funeral procession route has not yet been announced. Reports indicate that a potential route may travel via the following: Corso Vittorio, Piazza Venezia, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and Via Cavour to the burial location at Santa Maria Maggiore.
- The exact funeral procession route has not yet been announced. Reports indicate that a potential route may travel via the following: Corso Vittorio, Piazza Venezia, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and Via Cavour to the burial location at Santa Maria Maggiore.
- In addition to carabinieri and police, sharpshooters, bomb disposal officers, canine units, and NBCR (Nuclear, Bacteriological, Chemical, and Radiological) units have been deployed throughout Rome and Vatican City as a precautionary measure.
- Systems designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been deployed by the armed forces. A no-fly zone has been established over Rome for the duration of the funeral events.
- Authorities have estimated that over 200,000 attendees will arrive for the funeral proceedings, including over 150 foreign delegations.
- Security is also bolstered at key neighborhoods where foreign dignitaries are expected to stay. This includes Villa Taverna in the Parioli district, the residence of the US Ambassador, where President Donald Trump is expected to reside during his stay. President Trump is slated to arrive in Rome on April 25 and depart following the funeral on April 26.
Source: Corriere Della Sera
- In addition to carabinieri and police, sharpshooters, bomb disposal officers, canine units, and NBCR (Nuclear, Bacteriological, Chemical, and Radiological) units have been deployed throughout Rome and Vatican City as a precautionary measure.
- Systems designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been deployed by the armed forces. A no-fly zone has been established over Rome for the duration of the funeral events.
- Authorities have estimated that over 200,000 attendees will arrive for the funeral proceedings, including over 150 foreign delegations.
- Security is also bolstered at key neighborhoods where foreign dignitaries are expected to stay. This includes Villa Taverna in the Parioli district, the residence of the US Ambassador, where President Donald Trump is expected to reside during his stay. President Trump is slated to arrive in Rome on April 25 and depart following the funeral on April 26.
Source: Corriere Della Sera
- Additional security personnel will be stationed at key transport hubs, including Termini, Ottaviano, and San Giovanni stations. Further staffing increases are scheduled for Parco di Centocelle Metro C station beginning April 25, and at Cipro and Piramide subway stations on April 26.
Source: ATAC
- Additional security personnel will be stationed at key transport hubs, including Termini, Ottaviano, and San Giovanni stations. Further staffing increases are scheduled for Parco di Centocelle Metro C station beginning April 25, and at Cipro and Piramide subway stations on April 26.
Source: ATAC
- In Italy, the government has announced a nationwide five-day period of mourning, which began in the afternoon hours (local time) of April 22 and will continue through April 26.
- Some sporting and other large-scale events have been cancelled, while others will continue, albeit at a reduced capacity. However, the mourning period does not constitute a national holiday.
- Government officials will be obliged to cancel all appointments.
Source: Vesuviolive
- In Italy, the government has announced a nationwide five-day period of mourning, which began in the afternoon hours (local time) of April 22 and will continue through April 26.
- Some sporting and other large-scale events have been cancelled, while others will continue, albeit at a reduced capacity. However, the mourning period does not constitute a national holiday.
- Government officials will be obliged to cancel all appointments.
Source: Vesuviolive
- The Polish government has declared April 26, the day of the Pope’s funeral, a day of national mourning. While large-scale events are usually canceled during such days, it does not constitute a national holiday.
Source: Polskie Radio
- The Polish government has declared April 26, the day of the Pope’s funeral, a day of national mourning. While large-scale events are usually canceled during such days, it does not constitute a national holiday.
Source: Polskie Radio
- In Portugal, a three-day period of national mourning will be observed from April 24-26.
Source: The Portugal News
- In Portugal, a three-day period of national mourning will be observed from April 24-26.
Source: The Portugal News
- The Council of Ministers of Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) has also declared April 26 a national Day of Mourning. Public events will be cancelled or proceed in a limited capacity.
Source: Sarajevo Times
- The Council of Ministers of Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) has also declared April 26 a national Day of Mourning. Public events will be cancelled or proceed in a limited capacity.
Source: Sarajevo Times
- In Malta, a day of national mourning will be observed on April 26. All government activities will be cancelled, as will sporting events.
Source: Malta Today
- In Malta, a day of national mourning will be observed on April 26. All government activities will be cancelled, as will sporting events.
Source: Malta Today
- In Hungary, a day of mourning will be observed on April 26.
Source: Kormany.hu
- In Hungary, a day of mourning will be observed on April 26.
Source: Kormany.hu
Assessments & Forecast
- Visitors from both Rome and countries regionwide are expected to travel to the Vatican City and Rome en masse in the coming days to participate in mourning proceedings, with crowds liable to reach turnouts between the low to mid hundreds of thousands during the time of the funeral on April 26, as estimated by authorities.
- Although the heightened security measures are likely in place as precautionary measures, they underline the potential for threat actors to attempt to attack or disrupt funeral proceedings. This is especially the case for extremist actors, as the expected large turnout, extensive media coverage, presence of high-profile individuals, and the symbolism associated with the religious ceremonies make the event a credible target for attacks. Such threats are liable to emanate from jihadist actors, far-left or far-right extremist groups, or lone actors with other ideological or political motivations. Moreover, both far-left and far-right protest groups may attempt to disrupt the funeral procession as a protest action.
- FORECAST: As such, in addition to the announced security precautions, armed police, barricades including bollards, road closures, and security checkpoints are expected along the funeral procession route on April 26.
- FORECAST: Moreover, given the expected attendance of various world leaders and politicians, other areas of Rome where they are expected to reside will also likely see heightened security measures. Road closures and security checkpoints are likely to be implemented in the Parioli district, particularly surrounding Villa Taverna, given the expected attendance of US President Trump. In addition to standard heightened security measures related to visits by US presidents, there is also a credible risk of protests against Trump, likely leading to further security. As such, severe disruptions to traffic are expected in this area.
- In addition to the aforementioned cancelled events, other official events, as well as various public and religious gatherings, including sporting and entertainment, are liable to be postponed or cancelled over the coming days and weeks. While the aforementioned mourning periods are not expected to result in large-scale disruptions to business continuity, as they are not public holidays, some businesses may be closed during the scheduled funeral timings.
- Religious and memorial events, including masses, are expected to persist nationwide. As such, while travel disruptions are liable to be most severe in Rome, they should also be expected across Italy. Other Catholic-majority countries, as well as countries with significant Catholic populations, are expected to see disruptions as well, although on a smaller scale, due to memorial events.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Rome and Vatican City on April 23 and in the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ updates due to the death of Pope Francis and associated funeral events. Allot for travel-related disruptions.
- Those operating or residing in Europe on April 23 and in the coming days are advised to allot for disruptions associated with religious services or mourning periods related to the death of Pope Francis.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Related Reports
Vatican City
-
TravelItaly Tactical (UPDATE): Vatican authorities confirm Pope Francis funeral to take place in Rome at 10:00 (local time) on April 26; remain cognizant of updates -
TravelEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Heightened security measures enacted in Rome, Vatican City, mourning periods announced in Portugal, Spain for Pope Francis on April 21; remain cognizant of updates
Related Reports
Vatican City
-
TravelItaly Tactical (UPDATE): Vatican authorities confirm Pope Francis funeral to take place in Rome at 10:00 (local time) on April 26; remain cognizant of updates
-
TravelEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Heightened security measures enacted in Rome, Vatican City, mourning periods announced in Portugal, Spain for Pope Francis on April 21; remain cognizant of updates