Government counsels vigilance for churches

The French Interior Ministry has urged Catholic churches around the country to take extra precautions against possible terrorist attacks after police foiled a planned assault on two parishes in the Villejuif suburb south of Paris, writes Tom Heneghan.

An internal memo now being circulated to parishes and local police asked clergy to report suspicious behaviour to the police and  watch out for unattended packages. It also advised that parishioners should not leave possessions in pews when they go up for Communion.