US disrupt plot targeting Pope Francis ahead of visit later in the month.

Pope Francis

The US has disrupted a plot targeting Pope Francis ahead of his visit later this month, according to security officials.

Head of House Homeland Security Committee, Michael McCaul, said one potential threat has already been stopped and that authorities were monitoring others.

McCaul told ABC News: "The Pope is a very - I'm Catholic, by the way - he is a very passionate man. He likes to get out with the people, and with that comes a large security risk.

"We are monitoring very closely threats against the Pope as he comes in to the United States. 

We have disrupted one case in particular, but as that date approaches, I think we're all very... vigilant to protect him as he comes into the United States."

Pope Francis will become the third pope to visit the White House after a plane-side greeting from President Barack Obama in Washington DC on 22 September.

He is scheduled to give a speech to the Senate and House of Representatives, address world leaders at the United Nations, preside over a service at the 9/11 memorial in New York and celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden, among other events.

New security measures ahead of the visit, include airspace restrictions, screening checkpoints and a ban on balloons, selfie sticks and backpacks at papal events.

In March, the inspector general of the Vatican's police force, Domenico Giani, told Polizia Moderna magazine that Islamic State militants could pose a threat to Pope Francis during the visit to the US.

Source: Sky News