PAPAL RING OF STEEL

SOLDIERS carrying huge, handheld anti-drone weapons are patrolling the streets of Vatican City as security measures are ramped up ahead of Pope Francis's funeral tomorrow.

- BY MATTHEW YOUNG In the Vatican

Crowds of up to 200,000 are expected to descend on St Peter's Square as delegations from as many as 170 countries pay their respects.

Drones are seen as the main threat to security for the funeral and troops are ready to bring down any of the unwanted flying objects.

Some of the electronic “guns” they tote have several large barrels and soldiers are saddled with bulky, hi-tech backpacks which feed into the weapon.

If a drone is spotted in Vatican City's no-fly zone, the guns will hit it with radio waves, jamming its signal and forcing it to either land vertically or return to its controller.

One drone-busting soldier said: "My device can disable and bring down a craft once I have it in my sights.

"The technology is very effective and enables us to bring drones under control and reduce the threat.

BARRIERS

"We realise we have an important job to do."