Martin Candinas becomes President of the Guard Foundation
Swiss guard instead of the Federal Council: Martin Candinas feels an inner fire for this office
The Swiss guard with its tradition has always fascinated him, says Martin Candinas. Now the Graubünden Middle National Council is president of a foundation that takes care of the well-being of the Helvetian papal protectors.
Rome is in a state of emergency. 250,000 people attended the funeral of Francis on Saturday. Preparations for the conclave, on which the cardinals are exploiting a new Pope, are in full swing.
The oldest army in the world, which was founded on January 22, 1506 by Pope Julius II, plays a central role in these occasions: the Swiss Guard, trademark of blue-yellow-red striped gala jar, ensures security. On May 6th, new guards from the 135 -strong papal protection force should have been sworn in. Because of the Sedisvacanz, the new guards will only take off the faithful rigid in autumn. What the Pope is called for which the Swiss men would sacrifice their lives in an emergency only when white smoke rises above St. Peter’s Basilica.
On the other hand, it is clear that the succession for a secular organization is clear. Martin Candinas will take over the Presidium of the Papal Swiss Guard Foundation from July 1. The Graubünden Middle National Council replaces old Federal Councilor Ruth Metzler-Arnold. The aim of the foundation is to improve the living conditions of the guards in the Vatican with various activities. For example, it supports families financially, makes contributions to training and further education or helps with a new job after returning to Switzerland. Last year it promoted the Swiss Guard with a total of CHF 730,000.
Martin Candinas takes over from Ruth Metzler-Arnold the Presidium of the Foundation for the Swiss Guard in the Vatican.
Franziskus’ successor is expected to make an important decision on the Swiss guard. It is about the question of whether women as guardsmen may also be able to guard the Pope in the future. The groundbreaking for the new barracks for the Gardists is planned in one year, and the inauguration of the new building is planned in 2030.
The project costs around CHF 50 million. The barrack foundation – its sole goal is to renew the barracks building – already has commitments of CHF 49.6 million. Former National Bank President Jean-Pierre Roth is President of the Foundation Council. A year ago, he told CH Media that the foundation was doing everything to create the prerequisites that women can also do with the guard. This is impossible with the existing and outdated infrastructure with three and sometimes even larger rooms and sometimes even larger rooms.
The new barracks will have 114 single rooms for halberiers, 11 studios for non -commissioned officers and 26 apartments for families. This allows guards and their families to live under one roof. Under these signs, the path for women is paved as guardists.
However, the decision for the small revolution in the Vatican lies with the Pope. Martin Candinas would be happy if Francis’ successor would give his blessing for female bodyguards in the Vatican. The late head of the Catholic Church has nourished hope. The door is open, he is said to have once said in the small circle in Rome.
