Security doubled in St. Peter's Square

ROME – Security around St. Peter's Square has been doubled recently due to an increased concern of a possible terrorist threat against Pope Francis and the Vatican.

Extra police where deployed in the Pontiffs audience on Wednesday as well, signaling the Vatican’s commitment to security, which is said to have been greatly increased for some time.

Although no specific threat to the Pope, or the Vatican has been specifically cited, the increase in Terrorist activity throughout the world, by ISIS in particular, has raised many alarm bells in both Vatican City and the Eternal city. Last week Interior Minister Angelino Alfano made a statement calling Italy, and the Vatican in particular, the cradle of Christianity and therefore primary targets for groups such as ISIS.

These concerns all come in the midst of several high profile trips the Pontiff is to make, including a trip to Turkey this November, which borders two warzones in Iraq and Syria. When asked for comment Vatican spokesman, Father Frederico Lombardi stated  "There is no reason to change the pope's itinerary ... or way of traveling."

The Pope will do the majority of his traveling in a white Jeep convertible, similar to the one he uses to move around in St. Peter's Square, said Father Lombardi.