The Vatican City State has strengthened its security measures by imposing harsher penalties on individuals who violate its borders or airspace. Offenders now face fines ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 euros and prison sentences of one to four years. The Vatican's move follows a recent incident where an individual attempted to breach its security perimeter, emphasizing the need to deter unauthorized access and protect its sovereign territory.
The Vatican City State has implemented stricter penalties for individuals who enter its territory or violate its airspace without authorization. The Vatican has significantly increased both monetary fines and prison sentences for those who breach its strict security regulations. According to Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, violators will now face fines ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 euros and prison sentences of one to four years.
The Vatican City State, the world's only completely enclosed sovereign territory, has multiple entry points, with all but one — the Saint Anna gate — remaining locked from dusk until dawn. The gates are rigorously guarded by the Swiss Guard, with gendarmes armed with firearms stationed nearby. The new decree, published in Italian, states: “Unless the act constitutes a more serious crime, anyone who enters the territory of Vatican City State with violence, threat, or deception is punished with imprisonment from one year to four years and a fine from € 10,000.00 to € 25,000.00.”Furthermore, the document clarifies that entering Vatican territory through subterfuge is considered a form of entering “by deception.” It specifically defines, “Entry by fraudulent circumvention of the State’s security and protection systems or by evading border controls shall be deemed to have occurred ‘by deception.’” Penalties are significantly harsher if illegal entry involves weapons, dangerous substances, or a group. Additionally, they are increased by two-thirds if forced entry occurs through border control while driving a vehicle. The Vatican's revised security measures aim to deter unauthorized access and enforce respect for its sovereignty.These new regulations come after a recent incident where an individual attempted to breach the Vatican's security perimeter. The 40-year-old man initially encountered denial of entry at the Vatican’s Saint Anna gate by the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Undeterred, he maneuvered his car away from the gate only to return at high speed, displacing the sentries who leaped out of the vehicle's path. This incident highlights the importance of the Vatican's commitment to strengthening its security measures.The decree also introduces provisions concerning unauthorized overflights of Vatican airspace, including the use of drones, with potential penalties of up to three years imprisonment. Last August, Pope Francis advocated for more lenient immigration laws, suggesting that they should facilitate, rather than restrict, the movement of immigrants across international borders. He stated that turning away migrants is a “grave sin.” He emphasized the need for expanded secure and regular migration pathways. Pope Francis's stance aligns with his consistent message of compassion and support for migrants, urging for their safety and well-being to be prioritized over national security concerns.
Vatican City Security Penalties Unauthorized Entry Airspace Violations Drones Swiss Guard Pope Francis Immigration
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