The latest, off the cuff comment attributed to Pope Francis is that weapons manufacturers are being hypocritical if they call themselves Christian.
The somewhat imprecise headline has spread far and wide to such places as the Times of India, which used this quote from the Pope’s speech against war in Turin, Italy. “It makes me think of … people, managers, businessmen who call themselves Christian and they manufacture weapons. That leads to a bit a distrust, doesn’t it?”
This immediately sent your friendly Pharmer to see if the Swiss Guard at the Vatican is still armed. Despite the Pope having recently dismissed a commander of the guard after 8 years of service, there is no indication that he has disarmed his protectors, who, per Wikipedia and Catholicism.org apparently carry a traditional halberd and various small firearms as well as automatic rifles. Images of the Swiss Guard’s armory, and their firearms are provided at Guns.com.
The Pope is expected to be very idealistic, but risks being marginalized if he brands people in the industry which is supplying his own guards as hypocritical. The Church has not yet come out against self defense.
