This summer, Europe is overheated, with fires, droughts and heat waves. And like France, Italy is affected by very high temperatures. This Wednesday, at the Vatican, they caused discomfort, in the middle of a general audience with Pope Francis. One of his Swiss Guards, who are in charge of his protection, fell to the ground, face down, in the Paul VI room.
A papal guard passes out with a crash
The incident only lasted a few seconds, but it caused quite a stir, as the man in question was wearing a helmet and armor that banged against the stone on the ground. On images, we could see Pope Francis interrupting and worrying about the young man, from his white armchair. The guard was then evacuated to the exit.
According to the Vatican, quoted by AFP, the fall of the guard is “most likely” due to a “pressure drop“. “He is fine“, it was also specified concerning his health. At the end of his audience, a photographer from the agency also reports that the pope spoke with his guards, which he does not usually do.
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Did the sovereign pontiff ask them if their uniform was not too hot to wear this summer? Recognizable by their blue, yellow and red stripes, since 1506 the Swiss Guards have also been wearing a helmet decorated with feathers, they wear gaiters, baggy trousers and a white collared jacket. A traditional costume that is not necessarily compatible with comfort.
The Swiss Guards must remain standing
It must be said that Pope Francis is very concerned about what happens to his staff. In March 2013, according to the local press, he would have had special attention for one of his guards, who had watched over him all night. Coming out of a room in the Vatican at dawn, he would have asked her “You stayed up all night, my son?“before bringing him a chair to finally sit down. For his part, the guard would have first refused, citing the rules, before accepting under the insistence of the master of the place.
FA