Europe

Rome ups security as world awaits new Pope

Conclave to pick next Pope coincides with two large sporting events and Easter celebration.
Last Modified: 11 Mar 2013 19:19

It is less than 24 hours to go before the Roman Catholic cardinals begin the process of electing a new Pope.

A day before the conclave, the city of Rome is gearing up for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of believers to witness the process.

But it's not just pilgrims the authorities will have to deal with, but also close to 100,000 runners of the Rome Marathon and thousands of rugby fans of the Six Nations Championship.  

The mayor of Rome estimates that policing the transition could cost the city nearly $6m.

Al Jazeera's Paul Brennan reports from Rome.

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