At a February 3 audience with members of the Inspectorate for Public Security, Pope Francis thanked the officials for their work in maintaining order around the Vatican, particularly during the trying times of the Covid epidemic. Complimenting them for their professionalism, the Pontiff encouraged them to be patient in dealing with requests from visitors, which could be “a bit burdensome at times.”

In his remarks the Pope asked the security officers to excuse him if he did not stand up to greet them, explaining that his knee has been bothering him.