Cyprus police arrest man with knife, say unrelated to Pope visit

Pope Francis leads Holy Mass at the GSP Stadium, in Nicosia, Cyprus, December 3, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

NICOSIA (Reuters) - Police in Cyprus arrested a man carrying a knife during security screening to an outdoor stadium where Pope Francis was celebrating mass on Friday, but authorities said it appeared unrelated to the pontiff's presence on the island.

Two security sources said the knife was found during security screening for thousands seeking access to the stadium on Friday morning. Authorities had taken strict security precautions and most attendees had to be at the venue hours earlier.