TextSearch

He takes over from Commander Giani, who resigned yesterday after taking “objective” but not “subjective” responsibility for the leaking to an Italian journalist of a reserved notice informing Vatican security personnel that five employees had been suspended from their work “as a precautionary measur…

Pope Francis appoints cybersecurity expert to head Vatican Security Services | America Magazine Skip to main content Top Left MenuExploreDonateTop Right MenuFor YouLog InAccount NewslettersProfileLogoutSubscribeMegamenu Mobile InsertDonateFor YouSubscribeMegamenu Left MenuPodcastsVideoWritersPrint IssuesJourneysEventsClassifiedsSearchNewslettersMegamenu Right MenuPolitics & SocietyUS PoliticsLGBT issuesPro-LifeEditorialsCatholic EducationRacial JusticeImmigrationArt & CultureBooksFilmTelevisionTheaterPoetryArtIdeasCatholic Book ClubFaithPope FrancisLiturgyBishopsFaith in FocusFaith and ReasonWomen in the ChurchThe WordScripture Read Pope Francis isn’t slowing down in 2023 Read Pope Benedict’s theological legacy: An Augustinian at heart who influenced the course of Vatican II and beyond Read Hong Kong allows Cardinal Zen, who was arrested last year, to attend Benedict’s funeral Listen Catholics cannot ignore the harm caused by Kanye West Loading... FaithVatican DispatchPope Francis appoints cybersecurity expert to head Vatican Security ServicesGerard O’ConnellOctober 15, 2019FacebookTwitterEmailDomenico Giani, former chief of the Vatican police force, holds a cross as Vatican police officers and Swiss Guards process through St. Peter's Square in September 2016. Pope Francis appointed Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, a cybersecurity expert, as the new head of the Vatican Security Services on Oct. 15. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Pope Francis has appointed Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, a cybersecurity expert, as the new head of the Vatican Security Services and commander of the Gendarmerie, the Vatican announced today. An expert in information and cybersecurity, he has been the deputy chief of both entities since 2018 and served as the number two to Commander Domenico Giani, who resigned yesterday.The 45-year-old Italian, widely known as Gianluca Gauzzi, was born in Gubbio, central Italy, and graduated from Rome’s La Sapienza state university with an engineering degree in the field of security and protection. A married man with two children, he joined the Vatican’s Gendarmerie at the age of 24. Four years later, in 1999, according to the Vatican statement announcing his appointment, he became responsible for the planning and development of the city-state’s networking and security infrastructure and cybersecurity.He was transferred to the Operations Center of Security in the Vatican in 2010, and the statement said he gradually gained positions of increasing responsibility until he became deputy chief and deputy commander of the Gendarmerie in 2018, then headed by Commander Giani.He takes over from Commander Giani, who resigned yesterday after taking “objective” but not “subjective” responsibility for the leaking to an Italian journalist of a reserved notice.Tweet thisThe Vatican revealed that “in those years he established a relationship of trust with the private secretaries of Pope Francis as well as with the top authorities of the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Secretariat of State, where competence and professionalism is required for investigations of a confidential nature.”It said he “accompanied” the pope on “numerous” journeys and pastoral visits in Italy and various parts of the world. Moreover, he coordinated the security for the summer holidays of John Paul II and Benedict XVI and was deputy commander of the unit that guaranteed the security of Benedict XVI during the summers he spent at Castel Gandolfo. He also participated in planning security for the big events in Italy at which the pope was present. He has taken part in courses and seminars in the field of security organized by police forces in Italy and internationally.The Vatican statement revealed that the man who now becomes Pope Francis’ main bodyguard or “guardian angel” was part of the unit responsible for managing the “technological security” of the 2005 and 2013 conclaves.He now takes over from Commander Giani, who resigned yesterday after taking “objective” but not “subjective” responsibility for the leaking to an Italian journalist of a reserved notice informing Vatican security personnel that five employees had been suspended from their work “as a precautionary measure.” That move came after Vatican police raided four offices of the Secretariat of State and the office of the Financial Information Authority in early October.While his nomination as successor to Commander Giani was expected, few among the media could identify his face as he had kept a low profile throughout these years. His appointment in 2018 as number two to Giani was read then in the Vatican as a strong signal that the former commander would soon be moving on, but nobody expected it to happen so suddenly or in the way it did. Recommended for You Pope Benedict XVI’s longtime secretary to publish new tell-all book exposing ‘dark maneuvers’ Nicole Winfield - Associated Press Pope Francis asks for special prayer for ‘very ill’ Benedict XVI Gerard O’Connell Commander Giani’s resignation had a strong emotional impact on many people working in the Vatican. Many were surprised, some felt sad, and others were dispirited at how it ended.At the same time, many Vatican officials and reporters were aware that Commander Giani had become one of the most powerful men in the small city-state and that during his 20 years of service, 13 as head of security, he had not only made many friends but also some enemies because of the surveillance and control systems he had introduced. Many, however, think that his resignation has deeper roots than the leaking of a security document to the Italian press, and this conviction has given rise to much conjecture. The Italian media speculate, without providing proof, that other resignations or dismissals could follow before the investigation into the questionable financial operations involving, it seems, real estate in London, is concluded.For his part, the new security chief, Commander Gauzzi, will face his first major challenge when Pope Francis visits Thailand and Japan in the second half of November. He will then come under the media spotlight he has so far avoided.FacebookTwitterEmailMore: Vatican / Pope Francis / Criminal JusticeGerard O’ConnellGerard O’Connell is America’s Vatican correspondent.@gerryoromeShow Comments (0)Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.  More from America Vatican II was ‘necessary,’ Pope Benedict writes to Steubenville conference Catholic News Service Jesuit-educated star quarterback Caleb Williams wins Heisman Trophy Catholic News Service ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and the dark Catholic imagination of Martin McDonagh Angela Alaimo O'Donnell Despite failings, Pope Benedict fought sex abuse more than any pope before him Nicole Winfield - Associated Press ‘Mary gives us hope’: the homily of Pope Francis for Jan. 1 Pope Francis Your source for jobs, books, retreats, and much more.Center for Community Engagement and Evangelization at Aquinas Institute of TheologyEducationNew Camaldoli HermitageVolunteer / VocationPrincipal – Bishop Kelly High SchoolJobsA Light on an Angel Wing – Sister Ave Clark, O.P and Paula SantoroBooksSacred Heart Seminary and School of TheologySeminaries & Theology StudiesSee all Classifieds  What to Read Next Interview: Bishop Stowe wants the USCCB to take Pope Francis’ priorities seriously The election Archbishop Timothy Broglio to lead the conference suggested to Bishop Stowe that “we’re definitely not going to be going in the direction of Pope Francis any more than we have, and that’s unfortunate.” Kevin Clarke November 22, 2022 Consistency and order might seem like boring qualities. But they were the reasons I loved Pope Benedict. Pope Benedict XVI's life and writings for the church show that one can be a staunch defender of order in the church’s teaching while still respecting God’s infinite love and mercy. Jill Rice January 3, 2023 Pope Benedict XVI, defender of orthodoxy defined by historic resignation, dies at 95 Benedict’s resignation was a “Nixon-to-China” move, a radical departure from the most orthodox of popes and theologians. David Gibson December 31, 2022 Pope Francis releases new apostolic letter on St. Francis de Sales, doctor of the church The pope’s letter, titled "Totum Amoris Est" ("Everything Pertains to Love"), said that the saint has much to teach the church today. Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service December 28, 2022 Thousands pay their final respects to Benedict XVI as his body lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica There was not the air of sadness that pervaded those who paid their last respects to John Paul II when he died. It seems that the mourning for Benedict took place around the time of his resignation. Gerard O’Connell January 2, 2023  THE JESUIT REVIEW OF FAITH AND CULTUREFooter Menu OneWho We AreCareersWriting GuidelinesPrivacy PolicyContact UsFooter Menu TwoDonateSubscribe Press RoomAdvertiseClassifieds MarketplaceNewsletter sign upSign up for freeFollow usCopyright © 2022 America Press Inc. | All Rights Reserved.×We noticed you haven't confirmed your email address.We ask our visitors to confirm their email to keep your account secure and make sure you're able to receive email from us.You can either click on the link in your confirmation email or simply re-enter your email address below to confirm it.Trouble getting registered? We’re sorry registration isn't working smoothly for you. Check out some of the most common solutions, and if those don’t fix your issue, contact us at [email protected]. | Close this messageLog in to your accountWhy am I being asked to log in?We ask readers to log in so that we can recognize you as a registered user and give you unrestricted access to our website. You can also manage your account details and your print subscription after logging in. Logging in will also give you access to commenting features on our website.Read more about our privacy policy. | Close this messageCreate a new accountWhy am I being asked to create an account?if you are trying to comment, you must log in or set up a new account. this helps us promote a safe and accountable online community, and allows us to update you when other commenters reply to your posts. Read more about our policies | Close this messageGood news—this is your 5th America article this month.Register for FREE or log in to continue reading.When you register, you’ll get unlimited access to our website and a free subscription to our email newsletter for daily updates with a smart, Catholic take on faith and culture from America.Wondering why we ask for your email, or having trouble registering? Since you’re a frequent reader of our website, we want to be able to share even more great America content with you and let you know about more ways to get involved with our media ministry. There’s no charge or cost for access to the website, we’ll never sell your email and you can unsubscribe at any time.Read more about our privacy policy here.If you’re having trouble registering, check out some of the most common solutions, and if those don’t fix your issue, please contact us at [email protected]. | Close this messageEmailPassword reset instructions will be sent to your registered email address.SubmitEmail or usernamePasswordLog inReset your passwordHelp America keep bringing you stories like thisAs a frequent reader of our website, you know how important America’s voice is in the conversation about the church and the world. We can't do it without you—America Media relies on generous support from our readers. Please visit our membership page to learn how you can invest in our work by subscribing to the magazine or making a donation.If you’re already a subscriber or donor, thank you! If you login and register your print subscription number with your account, you’ll have unlimited access to the website. Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions.SubscribeDonateRemind me later Read more from America Ukrainian archbishop urges people to celebrate Christmas even amid war Catholic News Service Pope Francis: Rediscover the meaning of Christmas in the manger Pope Francis Catholics need a restorative justice approach to the church’s sexual abuse crisis Daniel Philpott ✓Thanks for sharing!AddToAnyMore…