Camillo Cibin
Camillo Cibin (3 June 1926 – 25 October 2009) was a Papal bodyguard and Inspector General of the Corpo della Gendarmeria, the security and police force of Vatican City. He retired in 2006 after 58 years of service in the security force, and over 40 years as its commander.[1] He served as a bodyguard to six popes.[2]
Camillo Cibin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 3 June 1926 Salgareda |
| Died | 25 October 2009 (aged 83) Rome |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation | Inspector General of the Vatican Gendarme Corps |
| Spouse | Maria Cibin |
| Children | Three |
Early life and career
Cibin was born at Salgareda, in the northern province of Treviso in Italy, on 3 June 1926.[3] He joined the Vatican police force at age 21. He began serving in charge of security at the Vatican Council in the 1960s. He was appointed inspector-general of the Vatican Gendarmerie in 1972.[3]
Pope John Paul II Assassination attempt
Cibin was with Pope John Paul II when the pontiff was shot in St. Peter's Square in 1981. Cibin captured Mehmet Ali Ağca, who was convicted of the assassination attempt and spent 19 years in an Italian prison.[1] A year later, Cibin prevented Juan María Fernández y Krohn from stabbing the pontiff during his visit to Fatima.[4]
Death and funeral
Cibin died at 83 of natural causes.[4][3] His funeral mass was performed in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City.[2]
References
- Cindy Wooden (9 June 2006). "Six popes later, Vatican security chief turns in his jogging shoes". Catholic News Service. Archived from the original on 5 October 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- "Camillo Cibin: Bodyguard to six popes who twice intervened in attempts on the life of John Paul II". The Independent. 9 November 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
- "Camillo Cibin". The Telegraph. UK. 5 November 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
- "Security Chief for the Vatican Was 'Guardian Angel' to Pope". The Wall Street Journal. 6 November 2009. Retrieved 6 June 2009.