As a life-long Catholic, and a Rush Limbaugh misogynist, I have no problem with anybody who can meet the physical requirement standards taking the job. As a bonus, chicks will certainly look better in those outfits.
Posted on 05/05/2009 2:35:00 PM PDT by nickcarraway
After more than five centuries protecting popes, the Swiss Guard may consider opening the ranks of the world's smallest army to women, its commander said Tuesday.
"I can imagine them for one role or another. Certainly we can think about this," Daniel Anrig, who took over the post late last year, told Italian television program "Studio Aperto."
Anrig's remarks could represent a major change in position regarding the future of the elite corps composed entirely of 19- to 30-year-old Catholic men hailing from the Swiss Army.
Anrig's predecessor argued that mixing the sexes could be more trouble than it was worth and cited cramped Vatican barracks as another reason for excluding women. Asked about difficulties like cramped quarters, Anrig responded: "Any problems can be resolved." The Swiss Guard was founded on January 22, 1506, when 150 Swiss mercenaries marched to Rome to serve under Pope Julius II, known as "the warrior Pope."
Today, the guard numbers around 110 men. Clad in flamboyant striped uniforms, the guard's role is largely ceremonial and many of its members still carry around a medieval weapon -- the halberd, which is a combination of spear and battle axe.
Wednesday, the Vatican will hold an annual ceremony commemorating the 140 guards killed in the May 6, 1527 sacking of Rome. The surviving members saved the life of Pope Clement VII.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
I can imagine problems when they go into combat...certainly they won’t be sent to the front line.
As a life-long Catholic, and a Rush Limbaugh misogynist, I have no problem with anybody who can meet the physical requirement standards taking the job. As a bonus, chicks will certainly look better in those outfits.
“...the guard’s role is largely ceremonial and many of its members still carry around a medieval weapon — the halberd, which is a combination of spear and battle axe.”
Medieval? Yes.
Ceremonial? No.
Those suckers are sharp and the Swiss Guard practice with them.
Women should never be allowed to fight or protect unless there are no males left.
Feminism brought us this.
I'm pretty sure the Vatican won't be going into combat any time soon.
Not with those uniforms, anyway.
A change of uniform is in order.
Uh, yeah, they do carry those spear-ax thingamabobs, but they also have a modern side-arm underneath that gear. Let’s face it, they are bodyguards just like the secret service.
I’ve never understood why religions think of women as second class humans ..... a better mind in a female body ... guess it intimidates males that we’re a whole lot smarter and more logical ....
They’re actually a ceremonial army — much like France has. The Vatican bodyguards are a whole different thing.
Why do you believe that religions think women are second class humans? Are males second class humans because they can’t give birth?
Gramscian Marxism demands that every tradition be smashed, gradually.
No. All religions disparage women. We’re second class citizens when it comes to them. We have to be submissive and do what we’re told. We have no real voice ... have the babies, make dinner, clean up and shut up ... and be available whenever the men want us ... 24/7 .....
LOL! See post #3, with that get up I doubt combat is an option. :]
Actually, since 1980 the guys who are on the Pope’s orivate detail are pretty comparable to the Secret Service. They wear plain clothes and ear thingies.
Maybe as part of psy-ops. Send them in and when the enemy doubles over laughing, have the troops open fire.
I know you know this, but I’m making a lurker point. Catholicism has always taught us that women were equal to men but still different. A lot of Jesus’ closest friends were chicks.
If that’s true, why are women perpetuating religion? Almost every religion has higher attendance and participation rates for women.
Flipside is that men are commanded to love, protect, and honor their wives as well as provide for them.
That’s not as easy as it sounds, honestly.
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