Pope names new commander of Swiss Guard
(August 20,2008):- Pope Benedict XVI has named Daniel Anrig, a 36-year-old Swiss police chief and former member of the Swiss Guard, to lead Vatican’s elite Swiss Guard. Anrig will take office Dec.1st with the rank of colonel, succeeding Col. Elmar Mader, who has led the Swiss Guard since November 2002, the Vatican announced Aug. 19. Born July 10, 1972, in Walenstadt, Switzerland, Anrig served two years in the Swiss Guard before returning to Switzerland to enroll in a university. He earned a degree in civil and canon law from the University of Fribourg in 1999, and taught civil law there until 2001. From 2002 to 2006, he served with the criminal police in Glarus. Named a captain in the Swiss Army in 2006, he was appointed chief of police for the Glarus canton. He is the father of four children and is married to a theologian, who is currently dedicating herself full time to her family. The Swiss Guard with colourful uniforms have been serving pontiffs for the last 500 years. The guards number about 110 and must be Swiss Catholics with impeccable reputations. They stand guard at Papal ceremonies, as well as help protect the Pope.
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