Action News in Rome: Mayor Nutter gets advice on handling papal crowd

ROME (WPVI) -- For most of this week, and most of the months leading up to it, the buzz around this event has been about the excitement of hosting the pope. But before his presence was even confirmed, officials got to work on what has, for them, been the biggest concern - his safety, and the safety of what could be millions of visitors.

Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan of the Philadelphia Police Department is among those in Rome this week planning for the less-visible side of the papal visit.

He tells us, "Trust me, it keeps me up at night and it occupies the majority of my waking hours thinking about the different possibilities."

And that's in part because of Pope Francis' well know propensity to be, well, unpredictable. Described as a man of the people, he likes to move freely among the people.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter says, "You know, from a security standpoint, would make anyone nervous. At the same time, we know that we can protect him."

That is a challenge known well by Rome's mayor, Ignazio Marino, who met with Mayor Nutter and the Philadelphia delegation Thursday morning to share his experience of protecting the pope, and keeping the city moving amid his presence.

Mayor Marino explained their discussion, telling us, "We discussed about transportation, security issues, waste management, all the you know, things that appear to be silly, but are very important in such a large event."

Marino is also quite candid. Pope Francis has staked out some controversial ground, which may make him a target.

For those who ensure his safety, like the head of his Vatican Security Unit, that requires intelligence and diligence.

But both the Vatican and Mayor Marino say they are confident in Philadelphia, and Marino's confidence comes from his connection.

"You know Philadelphia is like a second home for me," he told the delegation.

A surgeon by trade, he spent seven years living in the city while in private practice at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

"I think, you know, to towns like Philadelphia and Rome with an event like that have the same issues. But these are issues, not problems," he said. "I think that they will be terrific, terrific days for Philly."

Terrific, yes, but also tough. Security personnel in Rome are being blunt - if you plan to attend events where the pope will appear, you should plan for some inconveniences. All of them in the name of making sure everyone is safe.