New Swiss Guard commander open to women members?

December 03, 2008

Daniel Rudolf Anrig, who became the 34th commander of the Swiss Guard on Monday, may be open to the possibility of women joining the 110-member body. When asked by a Swiss news agency in August, “Can you see a day when women will also be able to join the Swiss Guard?” he replied, “I’m not yet familiar with the exact wording of the regulations on the participation of women. But as Commandant one has to be always open to new questions including those relating to recruitment.” In more recent comments reported by the same news agency, Anrig did not discuss the possibility.

 

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Further information:

• Daniel Rudolf Anrig a capo della guardia pontificia (Swissinfo, Dec. 2)
• From police chief to protector of the pope (Swissinfo, Aug. 24)
• Swiss Guard’s new commander is open to possibility of female recruits (CNS)
• New Swiss Guard commander accused, cleared of alleged police brutality (CWN, Dec. 2)