Congressman: U.S. has ‘disrupted’ a threat before Pope Francis’s visit

Author: Kresta in the Afternoon Published on: September 14, 2015 Published in: Church News

American authorities are “monitoring very closely” any potential threats against Pope Francis and have already “disrupted one particular case” ahead of the pope’s visit to the United States, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”

Rep. McCaul (R-Tex.), when asked how he felt about security preparations ahead of the papal visit next week, said he was “concerned” and has been briefed by the Secret Service on the matter.

“The pope is a very — I’m Catholic, by the way — he is a very passionate man,” McCaul said. “He likes to get out with the people. And with that comes a large security risk.”

The pope’s upcoming trip to the United States has prompted a massive security operation in the three cities he will visit — New York, Washington and Philadelphia. In Washington, several major roadways will close for long periods during the three days that Francis is in town, and District officials are urging anyone who can to telecommute for the duration.