It may be one of the world's smallest states and have one of the world's smallest police forces, but the Vatican was today admitted "by unanimous vote" as Interpol's 187th member at the organisation's General Assembly, held in St Petersburg.

Interpol's acting President, Arturo Herrera Verdugo, handed an Interpol flag to the secretary-general of the governorate of Vatican City, Bishop Renato Boccardo. Monsignor Boccardo said the Holy See was joining Interpol because it "shared its views on dealing with global challenges". The Vatican set up new anti terrorism units earler this year.

Although the Vatican plays down terrorist threats it has stepped up security, with visitors to St Peter's Basilica required to pass through metal detectors. Its 160 strong security force, the Vatican corps of gendarmes, is staffed entirely by Italians.

The gendarme corps is distinct from the Swiss Guard, the Pope's personal protection force, but works closely with it. Domenico Giani, the corps commander, said the Holy See was also considering a new "agreement of cooperation with Italian police," due to the "upsurge in criminal activity".

The duties of the Vatican gendarme corps include border control, crime prevention and investigation, and the enforcement of financial regulations. It was founded in 1816 by Pope Pius VII.