US says it disrupts threat against Pope ahead of his visit

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul told ABC on Sunday that authorities have already “disrupted one particular case,” explaining that he was “concerned” and was briefed by the Secret Service on the matter.
 
“The Pope is a very … passionate man,” said McCaul. “He likes to get out with the people and with that comes a large security risk.”
 
“We are monitoring very closely threats against the Pope as he comes into the United States. We have disrupted one particular case…, but as that date approaches, I think we’re all very, being very vigilant to protect him as he comes into the United States,” he added.
 
Asked to clarify the “disrupted” case, Susan Phalen, a spokeswoman for McCaul, said, “We have nothing further to add at this time.”
 
The Pope will start his six-day US visit on September 22. He will visit the White House, lead a papal parade, and have a public appearance on the West Front of the Capitol.
 
He uses partially or fully open-air “Popemobiles” to drive through crowds.
 
“He’ll probably have even more people than the president because he’s going on an extended tour,” The New York Post quoted a law enforcement source as saying.
 
The Pope is also scheduled to speak before a joint meeting of the House and Senate on his last day of Washington visit.
 
He then will go to New York, to speak at the United Nations on September 25.
 
The New York Police Department will be working closely with the Secret Service to make sure the Pope travels safely.