Three Swiss Guards have resigned in response to the Vatican’s enforcement of a coronavirus vaccine mandate.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin signed a decree requiring all employees to show either proof of a coronavirus vaccination or a negative test. Under the decree, “any personnel” who don’t have the “necessary certifications” will not be able to enter their place of work and thus will be “considered inexcusably absent,” the Washington Post reported.
The decree signed by Parolin is part of the Vatican’s “Green Pass” initiative. Starting Oct. 1, citizens and visitors of the city-state must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Visitors who have a negative molecular or antigenic test will also be granted entry.
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The Swiss Guard has served as protection to the pope since 1506, according to the unit’s website. All members of the Guard are Swiss and Catholic men with a “firm conviction” in serving “Christ’s Church and his Vicar on Earth, the successor of Saint Peter.”
All members of the Swiss Guard were asked to get vaccinated, as they work in close proximity to others and the pope. Out of the 135 members, six initially refused.
While three guards eventually agreed to be vaccinated and are suspended until considered fully vaccinated, the other three have remained adamant against getting the vaccine, according to a press statement from the Swiss Guards.
“Three members of the Guard have chosen not to adhere to that request, voluntarily leaving the corps,” Lt. Urs Breitenmoser said.
Three Vatican Swiss Guards who refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19 upon Holy See orders have left the storied corps to return to Switzerland. https://t.co/wgF3P3C8cg
— ABC News (@ABC) October 4, 2021
Eleven Swiss Guards tested positive for COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic in October 2020, according to a statement released by the Swiss Guard.
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In response, Italy passed a measure on Sept. 16 requiring employees in public and private sectors to show a digital pass with proof of vaccination, making it the first European country to implement such a measure. While unvaccinated employees will not face loss of employment, they will be subject to facing a fine upwards of $1,700.
Roughly 45.3 million Italian residents have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 41.1 million are fully vaccinated, according to the World Health Organization.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Swiss Guard for a statement but did not immediately receive a response.
