Security key as Pope Francis begins US trip

Pope Francis begins his first visit to America later today. His trip
includes visits to Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia.

As usual the pontiff is likely to spend much of his time meeting and
greeting the crowds who come out to see him.

But that presents a major challenge for America's security services.

As Nick Harper reports from New York.

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TAKE PACKAGE

-natsound organ -
TAKE VO
Among the candles of St Patrick's cathedral the workmen are racing
against the clock.
By Thursday the scaffolding and step ladders need to be gone, for then
the cathedral will be filled with thousand of worshippers for Pope
Francis' evening prayers.
St. Patrick's Rector Robert Ritchie says the excitement ahead of the
Pope's visit is building.

SOT - Robert Ritchie, Rector, St. Patrick's Cathedral
"Everybody just loves him and I can't tell you how many thousands of
people have asked me 'can you get me tickets for here or any of the
other venues?' And most the time I've had to say no."

-natsound construction -
TAKE VO
Outside they're stepping up final preparations. Restoration work has
been underway for several years. The Papal visit has given added
impetus to get the job done.

TAKE VO
But the Pope's interactive nature, his way of mingling with the
crowds, is of particular concern for America's security chiefs.
Rector Ritchie has had many meetings about the Pope's security in the
run up to his visit.

SOT - Robert Ritchie, Rector, St. Patrick's Cathedral
"there's a combination of security people from the secret service,
from the US, and the secret service and the gendamarie of the Vatican.
Plus we also have FBI participation and New York City Police
Department and Homeland Security, so they're all involved because the
Pope is such an important world leader.

TAKE VO
The Pope's first American stop is Washington DC, where he'll meet
President Obama at the White House and hold prayers at St Matthew's
Cathedral.
While in New York he'll visit the site of the World Trade Center, and
take a motorcade through Central Park.
Simply put, large public spaces with ample opportunities for potential
attacks, says security expert Robert McCrie, from John Jay College of
Criminal Justice.

SOT - Robert McCrie, Professor of Security Management, John Jay
College of Criminal Justice
"The lone wolf, the unprincipled individual has always been a problem.
It's disturbed individuals with access to guns which are possible to
come together in this country represents a risk that police are aware
of, the secret service are aware of, and the department of state is
aware of."

TAKE VO
Security will be key, with New York City likely to be on lockdown.
Especially as the Pope's visit coincides with the United Nations
General Assembly,when more than 150 world leaders are in town at the
same time.
TAKE VO
And it's at the UN in front of the General Assembly, that Pope Francis
will speak about the need for urgent global development and the need
to tackle poverty, social justice and climate change. It'll be a
moment to spread his message of peace from the very place that stands
for international peace and security.
SOC

ENDS