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Spain deploys 13,000+ officers for Pope's June visit amid multiple threat concerns

From The Punch · (7m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Spain will deploy over 13,000 police and Civil Guards to ensure security during Pope Leo XIV's visit from June 6-12.
  • The security plan aims to counter multiple threats, including terrorism and radical social movements, while managing simultaneous large events like concerts.
  • The Pope's itinerary includes Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, with a visit to the Sagrada Familia and a focus on migrant issues.

Spain is gearing up for a significant event as Pope Leo XIV is set to visit the nation from June 6 to 12. The government, through its Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has announced an extensive security deployment of over 13,000 officers. This measure underscores the importance placed on the visit, which is expected to draw large crowds in a country with deep Catholic roots.

multiple

— Fernando Grande-MarlaskaInterior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told reporters in Madrid, including AFP, that the highest level of a special security plan would be activated throughout the visit, the first by a pope to Spain since 2011.

The security plan is comprehensive, designed to address a range of potential threats. Minister Grande-Marlaska highlighted concerns beyond terrorism, including radicalism and social movements that might use the papal visit as a platform. This proactive approach reflects Spain's experience in managing large-scale public events and potential security challenges.

but also radicalism, other movements such as social movements, which may naturally seize the opportunity to make themselves heard

— Fernando Grande-MarlaskaMarlaska reeled off a list of “multiple” potential threats, including terrorism

The Pope's itinerary is diverse, taking him to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. A notable event will be his visit to Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, coinciding with the centenary of its architect Antoni Gaudi's death. Furthermore, the Pope's planned visit to the Canary Islands, a key route for migrants, highlights his advocacy for migrant issues, a cause also championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis. This aspect of the visit is particularly relevant given Spain's geographical position and its role in migration flows into Europe.

The fact that the visit “takes place in different territories obviously creates greater complexity for ensuring that it unfolds normally”, as all locations are “very different”

— Fernando Grande-MarlaskaThe minister said the fact that the visit takes place in different territories obviously creates greater complexity for ensuring that it unfolds normally, as all locations are very different.

The logistical complexities of securing multiple locations across different territories are acknowledged. The minister pointed out that simultaneous major events, such as a series of concerts by Bad Bunny in Madrid, add to the challenge. However, Spain's assertion that it possesses the necessary resources to manage these complexities provides reassurance.

does not make it easy

— Fernando Grande-MarlaskaMarlaska said that simultaneous major events, such as a series of concerts in Madrid by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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