The Analysis of New Types of Security Challenges Affecting Catholic Christian Sacred Sites to Identify Those as Critical Infrastructures

Abstract

In this work, those challenges and risks associated with the susceptibility of European Christian sacred sites to attacks and threats, and their protection and security are analysed, which have been identified in the context of the perpetration of terrorist acts affecting certain Member States of the European Union. In the research, the Christian sacred sites are examined in terms of the specialised field of facility protection. The model presented in the study uses a structural system of critical infrastructure that highlights theoretical and practical capabilities of the law enforcement sector and the private security sector in order to demonstrate the hypotheses outlined. To identify and explore security challenges and risks associated with Christian sacred sited, it is necessary to analyse the domestic and international legislative systems and guidelines of the facility protection, and the possibilities for intervening by the state and the private security sector, as well as relevant international examples enabling us to highlight the need to protect European Christian sacred sites.