GETTY The Pope has been advised by police to beef up security

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Visitors to this year’s Christmas Eve Mass can expect heightened security including tougher checks and bag searches. But despite a heightened threat in recent years the pontiff has refused to change how he conducts the annual ceremony. Last year Pope Francis ignored pleas from Italian police to wear a bullet proof vest during his Christmas message despite chilling threats issued by ISIS about a planned invasion of Rome.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk in the run up to Christmas 12 month ago, the Pope's spokesman said the pontiff was aware of threats made by ISIS against him but was "not afraid" of fanatical Islamist fighters. He said Pope Francis also refused to have alterations made to his Popemobile to protect himself during the Christmas Day message. The Pope was advised by police to beef up security in the wake of fresh threats but has refused to change his famously relaxed style of leadership in response to the jihadi group.

Pope Francis in pictures Sun, February 5, 2017 The very best photographs of Pope Francis. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 97 Pope Francis receives a parrot from a performer of the Golden Circus during his Wednesday general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican

This year is likely to be no different with increased checks but no radical changes to the service schedule. The Vatican has not responded to a request for comment on this year’s service at the time of publication. Those attending this year’s Christmas Eve Mass were required to buy tickets at least two months ago.

GETTY The Vatican insists it is doing everything it can to keep the Pope safe

GETTY Rome has long been touted as a potential target for the jihadi death cult