# Ex Custodian Reveals Secret Protocol for Pope John Paul II's 1987 Argentina Visit

> Ex-custodian Fabio Bergese details the secret security protocol for Pope John Paul II's 1987 Argentina visit.
- Title: Ex Custodian Reveals Secret Protocol for Pope John Paul II's…
- Summary: Ex-custodian Fabio Bergese details the secret security protocol for Pope John Paul II's 1987 Argentina visit.
- Keywords: pope john paul ii, argentina, secret protocol, arzobispado cordoba, fabio bergese, vatican, Infobae
- Source: Infobae — https://infobae.com/historias/2026/11/10/fue-custodio-de-juan-pablo-ii-durante-su-visita-a-la-argentina-y-revelo-el-protocolo-secreto-que-debia-cumplir
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope john paul ii, argentina, secret protocol, security, arzobispado cordoba, fabio bergese, vatican, news
## Pope John Paul II's 1987 Argentina Visit
Pope John Paul II's visit to Argentina in 1987 required two months of security preparation by the Vatican and Argentine police.
## Fabio Bergese: 21-Year-Old Custodian
Fabio Bergese, a 21-year-old police officer with four years of experience, served as Pope John Paul II's custodian during the 1987 visit.
## Security Team Composition
The security team included Bergese, two federal police officers, and a provincial police officer, chosen by the Swiss Guard for prior collaboration.
## Pre-Visit Security Preparation
Bergese and three other officers worked with the Swiss Guard and Vatican Secret Service to review spaces, routes, and protocols for the Pope's visit.
## Language Skills for Coordination
Several security officers spoke multiple languages to facilitate communication with delegations and authorities during the Pope's travels.
## Nighttime Security Mission
The security team's mission was to accompany and protect the Pope overnight until his departure the next morning.
## Preventing Poisoning
Bergese tested the Pope's meal before serving it to ensure no poisoning risk, waiting 20 minutes to confirm safety.
## Menu Details
The meal consisted of chicken rolls with creamed potatoes, a dish Bergese tested for potential poisoning.
## Historical Context
The security team operated without modern technology, relying on physical surveillance and coordination to prevent threats.
## Legacy of the Experience
Bergese considers the 1987 experience one of the most significant moments in his life, behind the birth of his three daughters.
## Key takeaway

Fabio Bergese, a 21-year-old police officer who guarded Pope John Paul II during his 1987 Argentina visit, revealed the secret security protocol he followed.