Pope Francis decided to continue his visit to Trieste despite the discovery of a gun

Pope Francis’ security had to be reinforced during his visit to Trieste (Italy) on July 7, due to the discovery of a gun inside a suitcase abandoned at the city’s train station.

As reported by the italian pressless than 24 hours before the arrival of the Holy Father, all the alarms went off after the police discovered a semi-automatic pistol of Czech origin inside the suitcase.

The weapon, a 9 caliber with a magazine and 14 bullets, was kept in the suitcase along with two pairs of shoes and clothing of Turkish origin still with the labels.

Los Carabinieri (Italy security agency), They acted immediately and informed the authorities in charge of Pope Francis’ security during his participation in the so-called Social Week of Italian Catholics so that they could increase protection measures.

In statements to The small —Trieste’s main newspaper—, the city’s bishop, Mons. Enrico Trevisi, assured that the Pontiff was aware of what happened and “was calm” at all times.

In fact, the prelate was informed about the weapon by the Holy Father himself, who despite the situation decided to continue with the trip.

Bishop Trevisi noted that the citizens of Trieste “have welcomed the Pope’s arrival with great joy, and we do not want this joy to be disturbed by other thoughts,” and invited them to “treasure the Pope’s words.”

Pope Francis’ visit to Trieste continued normally and without additional incidents, although the intelligence and anti-terrorism unit continues to investigate a possible connection between the weapon and the Pontiff’s visit.

Although they have not yet revealed the identity of the suitcase’s owner, the station cameras show a man 1.75 meters tall, with a dark complexion, who looks around before leaving the suitcase and leaving.

When consulted by ACI Prensa, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni pointed out that this is a matter that concerns “the Italian authorities.”