Security tightened as Rome braces for onslaught of millions

Tucked behind ancient walls and iron gates, Vatican City is protected by Swiss Guards armed with sabres, a small but efficient secret service packing handguns and a special Italian police corps.

Neither their manpower nor their firepower is any match for the security nightmare confronting the Vatican as it prepares to lay Pope John Paul to rest. But Rome’s police chief, his forces steeled and on high alert for any plot to disrupt tomorrow morning’s funeral, insisted he is ready.