VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - Monsignor 007 is implementing the new procedures on January 1, and they will require a number of changes designed to enhance security at the Vatican. The changes are a response to the Vatileaks scandal that resulted in the prosecution of the Pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele for leaking confidential documents to the media.

Monsignor 007, or properly known as Mitja Leskovar, is a Slovenian priest who grew up under communism in Yugoslavia. His present duties include supervising requests for copies of confidential documents within Vatican City. He is also supervising changes to security protocols within the Vatican.

Among the changes are microchipped smart cards which restrict and monitor access to important rooms and facilities. The papal apartments are now off limits to all but a few strictly authorized individuals, and supervisors will now be able to monitor when their employees clock in and out of work.

Thousands of staff within the Vatican are expected to be affected by the new measures.

The Vatican, along with many other high-profile institutions, has been targeted by the media as well as others who wish to the do ancient institution harm or to cause scandal. The new security measures are expected to reduce any chance of that happening.

Although no great institution can ever be kept entirely free of bad individuals and the embarrassment of their actions, taking reasonable steps to ensure the likelihood remains minimal is the next logical step for the Church.

All espionage and leaks aside, the Church remains a venerable and ancient institution, every bit as unshakable as when it was established by Christ nearly two millennia ago.

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