Arsonist Caught At St. Peter Basilica
On 2 February, a 35-year-old man was arrested in Vatican City after attempting to enter St Peter’s Basilica while carrying flammable substances and ignition devices at the start of the Pope's mass. According to police and prosecutors, the suspect is believed to be an arsonist linked to earlier fires at churches in central Rome.
According to law enforcement and local media reports, the man was stopped during a security check and found to be in possession of gas lighters, highly flammable liquid, and other potentially dangerous items, at a time when large numbers of people were entering the basilica for the Mass celebrated by Pope Leo on the World Day of Consecrated Life. Prosecutors have linked him to two suspected arson attacks on churches in Rome earlier in January, including a fire at the Church of San Giacomo in via del Corso (OIDAC reported) and another blaze at San Lorenzo in Lucina (OIDAC reported), both earlier in January.
While the precise extent of the damage caused in those incidents has not been publicly detailed, authorities stated that the acts posed significant risks to worshippers, clergy, and visitors. Following his arrest, the suspect was taken into custody by Vatican and Italian authorities and is facing criminal proceedings.
Commenting on the case, Fabio Conestà of the MOSAP police union stated that “the intent to enter St. Peter’s Basilica with flammable material, combined with specific precedents and repeated conduct, made the arrest necessary to avoid serious consequences for the safety of the faithful, citizens, and tourists.”
Source: Fanpage, Romatoday, Roma.Repubblica, ANSA.it/vaticano
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