High security measures for visit of Pope Francis to Romania

High security measures are being taken for Pope Francis' visit to Romania (31 May – 2 June). On Friday, schools will be closed and parking banned in the areas where the Pope will attend public events. In Bucharest, most protected areas will be those around the Patriarchal Palace, People’s Salvation Cathedral, and Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Joseph.

Starting from tonight, stopping and parking will be prohibited in Victoriei Square. From Friday morning at 9 o'clock, road traffic will only run on two lanes, both on Calea Victoriei and on Kiseleff and Aviatorilor boulevards.

Stringent measures will also be taken in the Revolution Square, where a show will take place and His Holiness will attend.

Pope Francis will stay in Romania until June 2nd. His Sanctity will visit Bucharest, Iași (north-east) and Blaj (centre), as well as the Marian Sanctuary in Șumuleu Ciuc. This is the second visit to Romania by a Sovereign Pontiff, after the one of Pope John Paul II two decades ago, which was a first for a predominantly Orthodox country.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei