Vatican City, Jan 7, 2010 / 09:56 am
The Holy Father met with members of the Carabinieri, the Italian national police force, on Thursday morning in the Clementine Room of the Apostolic Palace, where he thanked the corps for its service.
The Vatican reported that Benedict XVI expressed his gratitude to the police force for its diligence in having a "vigilant yet discreet presence in the area around the Vatican."
"Your labors help to provide security and serenity for the pilgrims and visitors who come to the center of the Catholic faith and allow them the necessary spiritual concentration as they visit the tomb of the Apostle Peter and the Basilica that houses it."
A press communiqué released by the Holy See on Tuesday reported that the number of visitors to Papal events at the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo in 2009 was well over two million.