I’m curious that so many seem to view them rather like Navy SEALs or the Israeli Mossad, an elite force, when the photos I’ve seen are pretty much teenaged boys, no sense of their being hardened or potentially lethal at all, they could be a marching band.
Is there a ceremonial group for the young and a defense group with older guards who have received extensive military training or something?
I’m obviously an outsider but that would unnerve me, seeing as how your Pope Francis appears to have become something of a polarizing figure fairly quickly. I don’t grasp all the uproar, the foot washing is a very appropriate, humbling gesture for a Christian in position of authority to me, so I approve of it. Then, there’s the whole Ann Barnhardt thing, I saw that thread, Catholics calling him satan for not genuflecting.
There’s cause for concern, imho. So, I hope you’re right.
They’re Swiss. They’re tougher than you’re giving them credit for.
Ever look at the Secret Service agents who guard the U.S. President? A lot of them don’t look like much. All of them are willing to take a bullet for the president, however. That’s what counts.
Petunia’s not going to charge any pikemen; I don’t think that comes up even in Somalia!
As for the Swiss Guards, they’re not the Mossad or the SEALS, but they’re a trained, professional police force and bodyguards. Nobody is untouchable, but they’ll provide all reasonable security.
Pope Benedict was an easy client in recent years, because his health didn’t permit too much movement.
Not sure about Navy SEALS, I am thinking more like Royal Marines or U.S. Marines. I think they appear so young because of their fair complexion. My understanding is hat they re all part of the Swiss Army and are hand picked for the duty.
I’m obviously an outsider but that would unnerve me, seeing as how your Pope Francis appears to have become something of a polarizing figure fairly quickly. I don’t grasp all the uproar, the foot washing is a very appropriate, humbling gesture for a Christian in position of authority to me, so I approve of it. Then, there’s the whole Ann Barnhardt thing, I saw that thread, Catholics calling him satan for not genuflecting.
How much of this is real and how much is media hype about him being polarizing?
I have not seen the thread about Ann Barnhardt or the not genuflecting so I real can't comment.