Strengthening Security Measures Around Christian Places of Worship in France

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin requested on Monday to enhance security measures near churches during the celebrations of Ascension Day on May 9 and Pentecost on May 19, pointing to the "very high level of terrorist threat." The minister stated in a telegram that "the continued strong tensions on an international level, particularly the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, requires maintaining great vigilance around Christian places of worship." Darmanin added that the most sensitive sites will need to be secured with a "permanent security presence during the arrival and departure of worshipers, supported by soldiers."