Vatican cracks down on illegal entry into its territory

The Vatican City State has intensified penalties for illegal entry. A recent decree raised fines to between 10,000 and 25,000 euros and prison terms from one to four years for those violating security regulations.

Severe penalties apply for those entering through violence or deception. Unauthorized overflights, including drone use, now incur fines up to 25,000 euros and prison sentences of six months to three years.

Convicted individuals face bans from Vatican territory for up to 15 years, with harsher penalties for breaches. The Vatican remains the smallest state, covering just 0.17 square miles.

In earlier remarks, Pope Francis said that refusing aid to migrants is a "grave sin."