VATICAN CITY -- A priest, dressed in the traditional cassock, was arrested on Sunday morning in the Vatican City after security came across his assortment of illegal weapons. Not content with the usual shield of divine protection, Palkovic defended his actions claiming they were for self-defence. Among his arsenal were a compressed air pistol, two knives, a box cutter, and a screwdriver. The discovery was made by metal detectors at 9 a.m. at the gates used to prefilter visitors to Saint Peter’s Square according to media reports. 

  The priest, who has been named as Milan Palkovic, admitted to carrying weapons on his person. Palkovic was also found with a bag, which he argued belonged to another man. The priest, accompanied by a group of believers, arrived by bus from the Czech Republic and were all stopped by the Borgo Police Service. Another man, aged 60, claimed ownership of a bag found in Palkovic’s possession, prompting both to be escorted to the police station.

  The priest faces charges of illegal weapon possession, an offence punishable by up to six months in Italian law, with potential escalation if the incident occurred at a public assembly. The arrest occurred prior to the Pope's Angelus address. 

lw