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abujagirl
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The Vatican's daily official paper on Wednesday reported that Pope Francis has dismissed the head of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
The move was interpreted as a reaction against "obsessive" rigidity in the security force.
It said the Pope has decided that Col. Daniel Anrig, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, would leave office on January 31 2015, at the end of the extension granted after the end of his five-year mandate.
It said Anrig has been the leader of the 120-strong Swiss Guard since 2008.
The Vatican did not give any further explanation.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that "the pope has signaled to his aides that he would have liked a less strict military corps, with a less obsessive regime compared to the one enforced by Anrig.
The Swiss guard, known for their Renaissance-style uniforms in blue, red and yellow, said to have been inspired by Rafael's frescoes, have looked after the pope's security since 1506.
They are required to be single, catholic, aged 19 to 30 old, and morally irreproachable.
#Vatican #PopeFrancis
The move was interpreted as a reaction against "obsessive" rigidity in the security force.
It said the Pope has decided that Col. Daniel Anrig, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, would leave office on January 31 2015, at the end of the extension granted after the end of his five-year mandate.
It said Anrig has been the leader of the 120-strong Swiss Guard since 2008.
The Vatican did not give any further explanation.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that "the pope has signaled to his aides that he would have liked a less strict military corps, with a less obsessive regime compared to the one enforced by Anrig.
The Swiss guard, known for their Renaissance-style uniforms in blue, red and yellow, said to have been inspired by Rafael's frescoes, have looked after the pope's security since 1506.
They are required to be single, catholic, aged 19 to 30 old, and morally irreproachable.
#Vatican #PopeFrancis
