It Takes A Lot To Protect The Pope, Especially Francis

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – You may not believe the risks Pope Francis takes to be a man of the people.

In Vatican City, the Swiss Guards have 500 years of experience protecting popes, but never one like Francis.

When Francis hits American streets next week, it will be a major challenge for police, and the Secret Service will be figuring out the difference between a threat and what's 'normal' for a VIP who values contact with people above his own safety.

As one Swiss Guard officer said off the record, when it comes to guarding Pope Francis "we've had to put on our Nikes."

Francis breaks all the rules and then some.

Accepting, and apparently drinking, offerings of his favorite Argentinean tea that have not been checked for poison is a regular feature of his weekly venture into St Peter's Square.

Imagine how secret service agents would react if someone thrust a lighted birthday cake in the direction of President Obama?

Francis took it and blew out the candles.

How far will a pizza maker get if he tries to chase the pope through Central Park the way this one in Naples did after Francis said he missed going out for the Italian staple?

When his motorcade was mobbed in Rio di Janeiro, Francis didn't order his driver to hit the gas he rolled down the windows to shake hands.

On a trip to the Holy Land, an area renowned for fanatics of all stripe, the Israelis desperately wanted him to use a bullet-proof Popemobile.

Francis dismissed it as "a sardine can" and reportedly offered to sign a waiver accepting responsibility for his own safety.