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Security for the Pope has always been a priority – from ancient times to the modern day.

And whether it is the elite protection unit of the Swiss Guard or the addition of bulletproof glass to the Popemobile after an assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, the Vatican’s top priority is to keep the Holy Father safe.

Founded by Pope Julius II in January 1506, the Swiss Guard – with their distinctive blue, red, orange and yellow uniforms – were a force to be reckoned with.

Their successors can be seen today helping tourists find their way around and posing for pictures. But under those bright, baggy bloomers and tilted berets is a highly-disciplined force with Swiss army training.

They are always ready to lay down their lives to protect the pontiff and were notably called into action in June 2007.

On that occasion, they had to wrestle a 27-year-old German man to the ground after he tried to jump on Pope Benedict’s open-topped jeep in St Peter’s Square. The Pope was also assaulted at midnight mass on Christmas Eve last year.

At his summer retreat of Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father has additional protection from the Italian security forces.

For his British visit, the Metropolitan Police will have the responsibility for protecting the Pope.

The Popemobile

It is one of the world’s most iconic and recognisable vehicles. And now the popemobile, destined for Britain’s roads during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, has been given a modern-day makeover.

The vehicle was first made famous by Pope John Paul II, who used a modified truck to rise above crowds and be more visible on his first papal visit to his Polish homeland.

The current Popemobile is a Mercedes equipped with the latest security measures. The side panels and undercarriage are armoured, and a bulletproof glass enclosure has been built on top of an M-class chassis.

Such precautions are necessary after the May 1981 assassination attempt by sniper Mehmet Ali Agca on Pope John Paul II, who was shot four times and suffered severe blood loss. The previous pope forgave his would-be killer, who was sentenced to life imprisonment.

The pontiff enters the Popemobile through a rear door and ascends several steps. Once seated, the pope is elevated by a lift so he can be easily seen.

In addition to the driver, there is room for a security agent in the front. There is also space for two papal aides who are positioned in front of the pope’s chair.

The popemobile’s registration plate reads SCV 1, which stands for Stato della Città del Vaticano, the Italian name of the Vatican City State.