DOMENICO GIANI is not a name well known in Sydney but his face is familiar to Vatican-watchers as the official who handles security arrangements and accompanies the Pope at public appearances in Rome and abroad. As the chief protector of Pope Benedict XVI, he is usually the person jogging alongside a moving popemobile.
Unlike his predecessor, who apprehended the man who shot Pope John Paul II, Dr Giani has never lived his worst nightmare: an assassination attempt.
He is in Sydney for five days to inspect venues including Randwick Racecourse, Darling Harbour East, The Domain, St Mary's Cathedral, the Mary MacKillop Place museum, Government House and Admiralty House, to try to ensure that World Youth Day will not be marred by protest or violence.
But Dr Giani does not grant interviews. After conducting several site surveys yesterday he issued a short statement expressing his "sincere gratitude" for the work of the World Youth Day organisers, NSW and federal police.
After a photo call with Dr Giani yesterday, questions about the Pope's security were taken by Danny Casey, World Youth Day's chief operating officer.
Asked if pilgrims would be able to touch the Pope, Mr Casey said there would be opportunities to get close to the Pope since, unlike most well-protected visiting heads of state, the Pope was a priest.
Would his security staff be bearing weapons? Mr Casey declined to comment.
One of the biggest challenges, he said, would be managing the throngs of Catholics expected to flock to see the Pope on his first visit to Australia. The Vatican and police had also discussed the possibility of some kind of comedy stunt, he disclosed.
World Youth Day organisers also announced at least 36 extra flights scheduled for next month, including four additional Qantas flights from Los Angeles and Europe and a charter flight.
"Our information is that almost every flight into Sydney is fully booked in the lead-up to the event and 36 more flights have had to be added so far," Mr Casey said.
As of this week, 39,000 special visas have been granted for pilgrims and 13,000 are pending.
The church says it is on track for 125,000 international visitors.
Many would collect their visas as they left their country of origin.
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