Multiple members of the Pope’s historic bodyguard force, the elite Swiss guard, have tendered their resignation due to the imposition of a vaccine mandate in the Vatican.
Since October 1, there has been a rigid requirement on individuals entering the Vatican to possess a “Green passport.” The passport should state that a person has been fully inoculated, or tested negative for COVID-19 within the last 48 hours, or recovered from the novel coronavirus. However, members of the oldest military corps in the globe that is in daily contact with the Pope are required to receive inoculation.
‘Necessary Certifications’
State Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s Vatican Secretary signed a decree necessitating all workers to display either evidence of a coronavirus vaccination or a negative test. As imposed by the decree, any personnel who do not possess such “necessary certifications” will not be allowed to enter their place of work. Therefore, they will be regarded as absent that cannot be excused. For visitors, they should possess an antigenic test or negative molecular to be allowed entry.
Resignation of 3 Guards
Three guards of the Vatican Swiss Guards have opted to resign instead of being vaccinated against COVID-19. Three other recruits that are uninoculated had decided to be administered vaccination. They were suspended for a temporary period until they are fully vaccinated.
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According to Pope Francis on his flight back from an apostolic visit to Slovakia and Hungary, all people in the Vatican has been inoculated excluding for a small group they are attempting to help. The pope cited cardinals who are dubious regarding the vaccine. He hoped they could be prompted through discussion and with proof.
Payment of COVID-19 Tests Out of Employees’ Pockets
Vatican decrees indicate employees must pay for COVID-19 tests with their own money. This is in order for them to receive the green pass if they would not like to be inoculated, reported Religion News.
According to spokesperson Lt. Urs Breitenmoser, the three members who left did so in their own accord. He stated compulsory vaccination for individuals serving in the military is a guideline in line with those adopted by other armed corps across the globe, reported
A negative COVID-19 test or evidence of vaccination is not required to enter St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday recitation of the Angelus or to attend a liturgy in the Vatican, reported UCA News.
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