Swiss Guards: New crop prepares to serve the Pope through hard work and listening

Swiss Guards may not have to go to battle for the Pope, but they engage in spiritual war to help hopefuls coming to the Vatican. CLAIRE GIANGRAVÉ, of Religion News Service, reports from Vatican City…
Vatican preparing for possibility of women Swiss Guards

Vatican City Reuters The new barracks of the Vatican Swiss guards will be built to accommodate female members if Pope Francis or his successors allow women to join the elite and colourfully dressed force. Officials of the Swiss foundation that is raising the estimated 45 million Swiss francs ($US46 million) to replace the current 150-year-old […]
Vatican Swiss Guard’s new barracks designed to include women, newspaper says

Vienna, Austria Reuters The new barracks of the Vatican Swiss Guard, the elite and colourfully dressed corps that protects the pope, will be designed to accommodate female guards even though they are not yet allowed, a Swiss newspaper reported on Sunday. Nearly all of the guard are single men who live in a communal barracks […]
Books: From the Vatican’s table to yours – new Christmas cookbook a culinary masterpiece

CLEMENTE LISI, in an article first published on Religion Unplugged, takes a hands-on approach to his review of ‘The Vatican Christmas Cookbook’…
Pope apologises for keeping distance as virus cases spike

Vatican City AP Pope Francis apologised to the faithful on Wednesday for not being able to greet them and shake their hands as Italy posted a record spike in coronavirus infections that is threatening to once again spiral out of control. Instead of wading into the crowd to embrace the sick and kiss babies during […]
Pope warmly greets redeemed Cardinal Pell after abuse trial; four Swiss Guards test positive to coronavirus

Rome, Italy AP Pope Francis met Monday with Cardinal George Pell and thanked him for his witness, warmly welcoming him for a private audience in the Apostolic Palace after the cardinal’s sex abuse conviction and acquittal in Australia. The Vatican released photos and a brief video clip of the meeting, a clear sign that both […]
StrangeSights: Swiss Guards wear plastic; no crime during cold snap; and, unusual waiters…

DAVID ADAMS looks at the odder side of life…