NYPD, others help with security in Rome during Jubilee Year

ROME (WLS) -- With thousands of pilgrims expected to visit Rome for the Jubilee Year, the Italian government invited police from all over the world to help with security. A team from the New York Police Department is there.

The joint international security operation at the Vatican is a sign of the times.

"In light of recent events in Europe and in the United States, we continue to learn and we continue to adapt," NYPD Sgt. Stephen Cafasso said.

Police from New York, Spain and Poland are in Rome assisting with security for the Catholic Church's year-long Jubilee of Mercy. It's only the 27th time in the history of the church that there has been a holy year. This year, Italian officials say there will be increased police patrols because of threats posed by the Islamic State or ISIS.

Saying they cannot underestimate or ignore the ongoing threat posed by ISIS, especially after the recent Paris terror attacks, authorities deployed thousands of officers and soldiers from across Italy and asked for help from around the world.

"It's been a great opportunity to share ideas, exchange different ways of how we do things, but also to see, you know. Although we do certain things different, it's also kind of gives us a good feeling to know that a lot of what we do is, very similar," Inspector Joseph Gallucci, NYPD Intelligence Bureau, said.

For security reasons, Italian authorities are not revealing the exact number officers taking part in this operation but said there will be visible police presence at the Vatican and across the city at all times.