Security Services are investigating a death threat made against Pope John Paul ahead of his visit to Slovakia later this week.
Officials refused to elaborate on the threat. Jan Packa, who heads the Slovak guards in charge of security for visiting foreign dignitaries, confirmed the existence of the threat but said it would be "preliminary, untactical and unsuitable" to say more.
"Any publication of details helps the possible attackers to adjust to any measures," said Interior Ministry spokeswoman Lubomira Hutterova.
Hutterova said Slovak authorities were ready to deal with any threats on the pope's life during his four-day visit, which begins on Thursday.
About 5,000 police officers and 500 guards will be on duty to provide security during the pilgrimage.
John Paul, who is making his third visit to the predominantly Roman Catholic country, is frequently targeted by threats. He was seriously wounded in a 1981 assassination attempt in St Peter's Square in the Vatican.
Last month, a judge in Bosnia sentenced a 23-year-old Muslim man to six months in prison for sending an e-mail threatening to kill the 83-year-old pontiff during his visit to Croatia in June. The man said it was a practical joke.
Bratislava Archbishop Jan Sokol said he did not take the latest threat seriously and expressed confidence in the security precautions.
"I am convinced that nothing will happen," he said. "People in this country know who the pope is. Even for nonbelievers, he is a great personality."