Six men Arrested in Plot to Assassinate Pope Benedict XVI

The men are being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism

The five men are being held "on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism..The men are aged 26, 27, 36, 40, and 50, and were arrested ... at [a] business premises in central London." A sixth man connected with the plot was arrested later in the day as the Police carried out extensive searches of businesses and homes.

P>LONDON, UK (Catholic Online) - There is disturbing news out of London that five men have been arrested over a possible terrorist plot to assasinate Pope Benedict XVI in London on Friday, September 17, 2010.

The Pope is on an historic pastoral visit to the United Kingdom which began in Scotland on Thursday and continues in London today.

Although there are few details concerning this apparent assassination plot, we wanted to bring it to the attention of our global readership right way in order to request a crescendo of prayer be offered on behalf of the Vicar of Christ.

British News sources confirmed the arrest Friday morning. Our reporting is based upon a statement issued by Scotland Yard. As more details become available we will supplement this report.

The five men are being held "on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism..The men are aged 26, 27, 36, 40, and 50, and were arrested ... at [a] business premises in central London."

The Scotland Yard statement continued "Today's [Friday's] arrests were made after police received information. Following initial inquiries by detectives a decision was made to arrest the five men on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism."

As would be expected, the security details of the Pope's visit are all being closely reviewed. However they are quite extensive and no adjustments have been made to the itinerary.

The statement continued "Following today's arrests the policing arrangements for the papal visit were reviewed and we are satisfied that our current policing plan remains appropriate. The itinerary has not changed."

A sixth man connected to the plot was arrested later in the day as the Police carried out extensive searches of businesses and homes.

The greatest security Pope Benedict XVI has comes from the One whom he serves, the Lord Jesus Christ. We ask our readers around the world to pray for the protection of the Vicar of Christ, the successor of the Apostle Peter.

Father Federico Lombardi is the spokesman for the Vatican. He indicated this morning that those accompanying the Pope knew little more than what has already been released in the statement from Scotland Yard.

He then spoke words which evidence the strength which comes from faith "We are totally confident in the work of the police." He noted that the entire delegation traveling with the Pope was calm, adding that the "the pope was happy."

These kinds of reports only confirm once again the historical significance of this Papal visit. 

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