US disrupted threat against Pope Francis: Lawmaker

Washington: The US has broken up a threat against Pope Francis, who will visit Washington and other US cities this month, a lawmaker has said.

No details of the threat were given.

US authorities are concerned about the visit because the Pope likes to get out among the huge crowds that gather to see him, said Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security yesterday.

"He's a very compassionate man. He likes to get out with the people," McCaul said on ABC's "This Week" talk show.

"With that comes a large security risk. We're monitoring very closely threats against the pope as he comes into the United States. We have disrupted one particular case," McCaul said.

He said he learned of the threat, details of which he did not give, in a classified setting with the US Secret Service.

McCaul added, "as that date approaches, I think we're all very - will be very diligent to protect him as he comes into the United States."

The Pope arrives in the United States on September 22 and is due to visit Washington, New York and Philadelphia.