Impact Level: Notification

Locations Affected: Pavia, Albano Laziale, Termini–Ottaviano metro corridor, Via della Conciliazione, Piazza Navona, Trastevere, Prati, Borgo, St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Tracking Id: RINTP2724235061

Description:

As per reports, more than 5,000 police officers and soldiers will be deployed in Rome on Sunday (18 May) to ensure public safety during the enthronement ceremony of Pope Leo XIV.

• Authorities have planned extensive security measures, including snipers, divers, Air Force aerial surveillance, and anti-drone systems. This information was shared by Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini following a recent Provincial Committee for Order and Security meeting.
• Attendance is expected to reach around 250,000, similar to turnout at Pope Francis’s funeral, prompting security arrangements of comparable scale.
• Additional security and public management measures will be in place on Sunday (11 May), for the Regina Coeli event where Pope Leo will make a public appearance. Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed maximum deployment of Rome Capital police and civil protection units, in addition to 500 stewards. Public transport and sanitation services will be reinforced to accommodate the influx of visitors.
• Operational personnel will include specialized units for escorting foreign delegations, bomb disposal teams, dog handlers, anti-drone operators, and snipers. Two thousand volunteers and 500 stewards will support civil protection and crowd control.
• With large gatherings expected in St. Peter’s Square alongside foreign dignitaries, the city is treating the event as a major public order challenge, especially given the proximity to recent large-scale events such as the funeral of Pope Francis.
• Rome will also host the Jubilee of the Bands on Sunday (11 May), anticipating over 60,000 participants and 130 musical performances in multiple squares. Civil Protection Chief Fabio Ciciliano reported the mobilisation of an additional 700 personnel and up to 200 extra healthcare professionals. Emergency medical services will be reinforced with more ambulances and mobile medical units. Crowd influx is anticipated particularly from Albano Laziale and Pavia, due to their religious connections to Pope Leo XIV.

Impact:

• Major road closures and restricted zones are expected around Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square, and key access points, especially from Sunday (11 May) to Sunday (18 May).
• Overloaded metro, bus, and train services may result in extended wait times and service rerouting, particularly affecting the Termini–Ottaviano corridor.
• Local businesses near Vatican City may face restricted access, delivery delays, and heightened security screening.
• Businesses operating in logistics, hospitality, and tourism sectors may encounter operational backlogs due to increased security and crowd movement. Increased surveillance and military-grade equipment in public spaces may cause concern among residents and visitors.

Recommendations:

• Advised to avoid non-essential travel to and around Vatican City around Sunday (18 May). Recommended to use alternative transit routes and plan travel during off-peak hours. Advised to stay updated via local transport authority advisories.
• Advised to adjust logistics and delivery schedules in the vicinity of St. Peter’s Square and designated high-security areas. Recommended to inform staff and clients of expected delays and restrictions.
• Advised to expect high foot traffic and ensure compliance with local security advisories. Recommended to stock supplies in advance to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
• Advised to review security arrangements with authorities and communicate clearly with clients about restricted zones and permissible activities.

Sources:
• https://www.ilgiornale.it/news/vaticano/preparativi-folla-250mila-fedeli-2476956.html
• https://www.leggo.it/schede/papa_leone_xiv_cerimonia_insediamento_tiratori_scelti_artificieri_roma_blindata_oggi_10_5_2025-massimo_dispiegamento_di_forze-3-8826184.html?refresh_ce