Italian officials close road to St. Peter's at night, boost security

Published: 2003-12-16

ROME (CNS) -- As part of beefed up security around the Vatican for the Christmas season, Italian authorities have ordered the nighttime closing of the major road that leads to St. Peter's Square. The historic Via della Conciliazione was closed from midnight to 6 a.m. beginning Dec. 16. Police did not specify the reason for the closing, but Italian press reports said it was a measure against potential truck-bombers. St. Peter's Square is separated from the street by a series of thick concrete posts and a massive marble colonnade. In December of 1996, a man crashed his car into the posts in an attempt to destroy the Vatican's Nativity scene in the square. The number of police officers -- uniformed and plainclothes -- has been increased in the square and in the area just outside the Vatican walls. Over recent months, tighter security has been imposed for those entering St. Peter's Basilica. All visitors pass through metal detectors and have bags checked before they get within 100 yards of the church.

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