Six popes later, Vatican security chief turns in his jogging shoes

Published: 2006-06-09

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Camillo Cibin holds the world record for miles jogged alongside a moving popemobile. But he made his last run around St. Peter's Square May 31 and retired June 3, two days short of his 80th birthday. Pope Benedict XVI accepted Cibin's resignation as director of security services and civil protection for Vatican City State and named 43-year-old Domenico Giani to succeed him. In effect, the director is the Vatican's chief of police, but when the pope is in public view at home or abroad, he is the No. 1 papal bodyguard. Cibin, a broad-shouldered, white-haired tower of strength, did not ease into retirement. His farewell tour was accompanying Pope Benedict to Poland May 25-28, coordinating in advance with local security services, then walking or running at the pope's side in the midst of massive crowds. When the hordes broke through the security cordon after the pope's May 26 Mass in Warsaw, Cibin exhibited his well-honed skill of gently tossing interlopers aside like they were pieces of tissue.

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