Leo XIV paid tribute to the law enforcement officers who had to “manage endless lines of people” last year in the Vatican, receiving the Public Security Inspectorate on January 19, 2026. This special unit comprises 200 police officers responsible in particular for ensuring the Pontiff's safety during his outings in Rome or on Italian territory.
He mentions the millions of Jubilee pilgrims and tourists over which they have kept watch, ensuring safety, order, and a peaceful environment for prayer.
This traditional audience at the beginning of the year was the first of Leo XIV's pontificate. He encouraged these officers to foster the “honesty” and “integrity” for which they pray to Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of the police force.
The Bishop of Rome expressed his “deep gratitude” to the leaders and staff of the Public Security Inspectorate at the Vatican for their service in protecting the “many pilgrims and tourists” who visit the microstate.
He recalled the “intense days” of 2025, marked by a jubilee of the Catholic Church that attracted more than 33 million visitors to Rome, and by major events such as the funeral of Pope Francis and the conclave.
Italian policemen working in the Vatican
According to recently published figures, the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household reported a total of 3,176,620 participants in audiences and liturgical celebrations at the Vatican over the past year.
Under international treaties between the two countries, the Italian police have the right to intervene in St. Peter's Square, constituting a unique case of a state police force exercising its functions on the territory of another state.
In his speech, Leo XIV praised the “spirit of sacrifice, professionalism, flexibility, and discretion” of these police officers, who are based on the outskirts of St. Peter's Square.
“You have had to manage endless lines of people [...], accompany movements and ensure security, in good and bad weather, with often inconvenient and demanding schedules and workloads,” he acknowledged.
He also expressed his thoughts for their loved ones who have had to adapt to their work schedules and their absence.
“A safe environment is a great help for prayer,” said the head of the Catholic Church, thanking these police officers for ensuring “a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere” for pilgrims.
The Pope offered them as their “compass” and “program” a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of the State Police: “[Give] integrity to our minds, vigor to our wills, honesty to our feelings, for the serenity of our homes and for the dignity of our land.”
Here is an unofficial translation of the full Prayer to Saint Michael, Patron Saint of the State Police of Italy:
Saint Michael the Archangel, our heavenly Patron, who defeated the rebellious spirits — enemies of Truth and Justice — make strong and generous, in reverence and adherence to the law of the Lord, those whom the Homeland has called to ensure concord, honesty, and peace among its citizens, so that — in compliance with all law — the spirit of human brotherhood may be nourished.
For this reason, we implore your patronage for righteousness in our minds, vigor in our wills, and honesty in our affections for the serenity of our homes and the dignity of our land. Amen.
Source (PDF)
For this reason, we implore your patronage for righteousness in our minds, vigor in our wills, and honesty in our affections for the serenity of our homes and the dignity of our land. Amen.
Source (PDF)
