Padre Pio remains have arrived in Rome

The event is expected to increase the already high numbers of tourists to the Vatican

 VATICAN CITY -- The remains of two of Italy's most famous saints, Padre Pio, or Saint Pius of Pietrelcina as he is formally known, and Saint Leopold Mandic (1866-1942), arrived in Rome on Wednesday as part of the Jubilee celebrations. Padre Pio was well-known for his liberalism, whilst the latter, originally from Croatia but who lived most of his life in the church in Padova, also dedicated his entire existence to the church.

 The Saints' remains arrived on Wednesday Feb. 3 in the church of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura at 3pm where they will remain until the following evening, when a night-time vigil will take place in the church of San Salvatore in Lauro. Prayers and services will continue until Friday Feb. 5, which will end with a high mass and procession on to San Pietro.

 The Saints' urns will be placed at the feet of the Confessional altar in the central aisle at San Pietro

 The event is likely to bring "a notable influx of worshippers, for who an increased level of security will be guaranteed in light of the current setting of possible terrorist threat," the prefect Gabrielli wrote in a signed decree. An estimated one million visitors a week already pass through for the Jubilee celebrations. Two schools will remain closed, and from Thursday morning a red security zone will be put in place around the area of piazza San Salvatore in Lauro.

 The Vatican office has already ordered a ban on the transportation of arms, munitions or explosive and toxic gasses between Prati and San Pietro from Friday until Saturday afternoon. Film and TV crews carrying weaponry into the area will also be banned. 

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