Managing a ministate: U.S. cardinal at the helm in the Vatican

Published: 2004-04-16

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As chief executive of the world's smallest state, U.S. Cardinal Edmund C. Szoka has to deal with problems faced by bigger nations -- including potential terrorism, economic downturns and energy shortages. But Vatican City has unique challenges, too. Where else do parking lot excavations routinely unearth tombs and Latin inscriptions from the time of Emperor Nero? Cardinal Szoka's job is to make sure things run smoothly in the 109-acre Vatican City State. That means counting revenues, fixing up buildings and channeling tourists through the Vatican Museums. He's responsible for everything from easing traffic flow to installing surveillance cameras. Security, not surprisingly, is a growing concern. The walled Vatican City is considered a small but inviting target. "We have a good surveillance system, with cameras that cover the entire city as well as the interior of the basilica. And in the barracks of our Vatican police, two policemen watch the monitors 24 hours a day," the 76-year-old cardinal said in an April interview.

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