The Pope''s key men

Wherever Pope Francis travels abroad, there are common faces that accompany him. These are the people Ugandans will likely see on the papal entourage. Timothy Bukumunhe introduces them to you

 

During his trip, Pope Francis will be shadowed by a roster of aides who ensure the trip goes according to plan. This 'mini-Vatican' is small enough to fit on the 777, but diverse enough, to respond to challenges in strategic areas including diplomatic crises, security breaches, liturgical snafus, reporters' questions and even medical emergencies. Among them, we are most likely to see the following

 

Father Federico Lombardi: The most visible figure on the papal plane is the one standing next to him when the pope answers reporters' questions: The 68 year old Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman.

 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, is never far from the pope's side throughout foreign trips, and takes part in many of the private meetings with political and state leaders.

 

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 Cardinal Pietro Parolin

 

Msgr. Alfred Xuereb, who is the first private secretary, will also be on hand to usher the pope to his seat, hand him his texts and generally keep an eagle eye out for the pontiff when he's on the public stage.

 

 Alfred Xuereb

 

Alberto Gasbarri, the Vatican Radio official who organizes the pope's foreign visits. Gasbarri is the elegantly dressed layman who typically precedes the pope by about 10 steps - all the better to make sure there are no logistical surprises around the corner.

 

 

Domenico Giani, the head of Vatican security, has got to be the most pressured man on papal trips. While security will be provided by Uganda as host country, Giani's role is to coordinate the interface between the Ugandan team and the Vatican agents who travel with the pope. Wearing suits and ties, Giani and his men flank Pope Francis whenever he moves, then fade into the background.

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 Domenico Giani

 

Dr. Patrizio Polisca, the pope's personal doctor. He's essentially on call 24/7 for the duration of the trip.