Skip to content

Vatican Cracks Down On Illegal Entry Into Its Territory

The Vatican City State has toughened sanctions for those who try to illegally enter its territory in areas where free access is not allowed.

The Vatican City State has toughened sanctions for those who try to illegally enter its territory in areas where free access is not allowed.

In a decree issued last month by the Holy See, the monetary sanctions and prison sentences for those who violate the strict security regulations of Vatican City have been considerably increased.

The document, signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérguez Alzaga, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, provides for monetary fines ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 euros (about $10,200 to $25,700) and prison sentences ranging from one to four years. 

These fines will apply especially to those who enter by means of violence, threats, or deception, bypassing border controls or security systems. In addition, those who enter with expired permits or do not meet the established requirements will receive administrative sanctions ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 euros (about $2,060 to $5,145).

The decree emphasizes that the penalties can be increased if the crime is committed with firearms, corrosive substances, by a person in disguise, or by several people together. Likewise, if illegal access is made in a vehicle, the penalty can increase by up to two-thirds.

The document also stipulates that unauthorized overflight of Vatican airspace, including through the use of drones, may be punished with prison sentences from six months to three years in addition to a fine that could reach 25,000 euros (about $26,000).

Anyone convicted of illegal entry will be banned from entering Vatican territory for a period of up to 15 years. If this sanction is breached, the offender may be punished with a prison sentence of one to five years.

In addition, the Vatican’s promoter of justice may summon any person who has committed an offense to appear before the court the day after receiving the complaint or immediately after questioning him.

Vatican City is the smallest state in the world and currently has a population of just over 800 inhabitants. The city-state covers 0.17 square miles. If it were perfectly square, the Vatican would be less than a half mile by a half mile.

The Vatican City State includes areas with free access, such as St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museums, which require prior security checks.

However, there are other entrances flanked by high walls, such as Porta Santa Ana, Piazza del Sant’Uffizio, or Porta Perugino, reserved for authorized personnel or visitors with special permits.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis urges faithful to ‘be close to the people of Morocco’ in wake of earthquake

Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the people of Morocco on Sunday in the wake of that country’s devastating

Pope Francis: St. Lucy Is An Example Of Female Leadership In The Church

On the feast day of St. Lucy, Dec. 13, Pope Francis said that “we need women’s work and their word in a Church that reaches out that it may be leaven and light in the culture and in our lives together.”

Three Pontifical Universities Collaborate to Reassess the ‘Inter Mirifica’ on Media

Three esteemed pontifical universities, renowned for their teaching and research in the field of communication, are joining forces.

‘Be not afraid,’ Pope Francis tells young people at end of World Youth Day

“Be not afraid,” Pope Francis told young Catholics Sunday at the closing Mass of World Youth Day 2023

Pope Francis to Preside Over Canonization Mass of Argentina’s First Female Saint

Pope Francis next month will preside over the canonization Mass of the woman set to become Argentina’s first female saint, the Vatican said this week.

Catholic Faithful Cannot Join Freemasonry, Vatican Reaffirms

In another response published on the Dicatery's website concerning the rise of faithful enrolled in Freemasonry in the Philippines, the Dicatery reiterates the Church's teaching and asks to evaluate pastoral actions.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTN.it