DHAKA: Security has been tightened in Saint Peter’s Square after intelligence services intercepted a possible plan to attack the Vatican, Italian media reported on Saturday, increasing fears that Pope Francis could be in danger.

A foreign security service alerted Italy this week after intercepting a conversation between two Arab speakers which referred to ‘a demonstrative act, Wednesday, at the Vatican’, Il Messaggero daily reported, according to The Straits Times.

Wednesday is the day the Pope holds his weekly general audience at the square in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Checks by Italy’s anti-terrorism unit revealed that one of the speakers passed through the country eight months ago, heightening concerns the threat may be real.

BDST: 2038 HRS, SEP 20, 2014