Pontiff fires Vatican security chief

Pope Francis has fired the Commander of Swiss Guard at the Vatican, Daniel Anrig, reportedly as a result of his unease at Daniel’s militaristic style.

According to a notice on L’Osservator Romano, the Holy See’s daily newspaper, Daniel Anrig would step down as commander of the Swiss Guard at the Holy City. “The Holy Father has ordered that Colonel DanielRudolf Anrig end his term on 31 January, at the conclusion of the extension of his mandate,” the notice reads.

Anrig’s removal is said to be the latest example of Pope Francis’ efforts to reform the Vatican and the changes are also ringing in the security department even at a time of heightened security concerns following unspecified threats against the pope.

The 42-year-old Daniel Anrig, was appointed by Pope Benedict in 2008 and his five-year contract had been extended indefinitely but since the election of Pope Francis, it has been obvious that the pontiff has not been comfortable with Daniel Anrig’s initiated gruelling shifts and strict rules of the Swiss Guard.

The Argentinian pope is known to relish direct contact with people and has shunned security efforts that would limit his exposure to threats but cut him off from the public.

In a trip to Rio de Janeiro last year, the pontiff’s wish to ride through the city in an open vehicle at a slow speed through throngs of people caused alarm, even among some cardinals watching the spectacle from afar.