From about 756AD to 1870, the Holy See was its own country occupying much of central Italy. Popes during this time were subject to any and all risks that contemporaneous rulers would face in similar circumstances. Not only that, but many times during this era the Throne of St. Peter would be held by a man who might be the scion of a powerful and ruthless family (Borgia, Medici, Barberini)that had much experience with assassins...
Before you write it off as tinfoilhatter speculations [0], please consider this was the time in Italy when an acting Prime Minister (Giulio Andreotti) took active part in a hit job on a former Prime Minister (Aldo Moro) [1].
