Sir, – I attended the various liturgies and events in Rome associated with the election of Pope Benedict and watched on television those associated with the election of Pope Francis. In both instances I was struck by the fact that not a single woman was involved in any of them, if I exclude the four nuns exiting the Sistine Chapel with the other lesser beings who were told to exit before the doors were sealed – I presume that these were there to serve the cardinals their supper.
Among a vast cohort of soberly-suited men, not a single woman. Even if they can’t be priests, surely they could be trusted with organisational tasks?
Almost every army, police force and security body in the world has female members; why no female members of the Swiss Guard, or of the Vatican police, or of the security detail? Pope Francis, you have a job to do. – Yours, etc,
NOEL CASEY,
Carrickbeg,
Carrick on Suir,
Co Tipperary.