Irish Examiner view: Widening role of women in the Church

Pope’s bodyguard unit considers opening its ranks to females for the first time

A Vatican Swiss Guard salutes Pope Francis. Picture: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

The world’s smallest army (140 soldiers) is unlikely to have any problem with recruitment but news that the Pope’s bodyguard unit is considering opening its ranks to women for the first time in its 515-year history is another indication that nothing can stay the same forever.

And nor should it in this century of gender equality.