Pope Francis will have the same protection as President Aquino, says Palace

Pope Francis. Photo by Paul Haring / Catholic News Service via Twitter

MANILA — Pope Francis will have the same kind of protection given to President Benigno S. Aquino III when the Pontiff comes to visit the Philippines next year, a Palace official said on Friday.

“The President said that the kind of protection that has been provided to him will be provided to the Holy Father,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Lacierda however declined to give further details, saying only that the Presidential Security Group (PSG) will coordinate with the Swiss Guard.

“But as always, the Pope will be as visible as the other Holy Fathers who had come before,” he said.

Pope Francis is expected to go to areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas when he visits the country on January 15 to 19, 2015.