The Swiss foreign ministry is examining the possibility of a permanent Swiss diplomatic representation at the Vatican, it said on Tuesday, confirming media reports.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/jc
At present, the Swiss ambassador to Slovenia, Denis Knobel, who is co-accredited to the Holy See, represents Switzerland’s interests in the Vatican.
The possibility of a permanent diplomatic mission was raised during a recent meeting between Guy Parmelin, who currently holds the Swiss rotating presidency, and Pope Francis in the Vatican, said media reports.
More
More
Parmelin visits the Vatican for Swiss Guard swearing in
This content was published on
Switzerland’s President met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Thursday, in a visit that also included the swearing-in of 34 new Swiss Guards.
Parmelin spoke with Francis, and with the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State, notably about the service of the Swiss Guard and the “good relations” between Switzerland and the Holy See, according to a Vatican press release. The Swiss Guard was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, deposed twice and re-established in 1800. It remains tasked with protecting the pope and his residence.
With regard to a permanent diplomatic mission, the foreign ministry stressed the final decision would be down to the Federal Council (government), which decides on changes to the diplomatic network abroad, and it must also consult the foreign policy committees. “The FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) is therefore unable to comment further for the time being,” it said.
Swiss football boss wants crackdown on individual hooligans
This content was published on
The head of the Swiss Football League says he prefers a harsher approach to individual hooligans rather than collective punishment measures affecting all fans.
Amherd: Council of Europe is ‘as urgently needed as ever’
This content was published on
The Swiss government emphasised on Sunday the vital role of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe, 75 years after it was founded.
Swiss minister: Italy will back Switzerland in EU talks
This content was published on
Bern can count on the backing of Italy as it re-enters talks with the European Union on future relations, Viola Amherd says.
Student protestors at University of Lausanne continue pro-Palestine sit-in
This content was published on
Since Thursday, a hall on campus has been occupied by students calling for a boycott of Israeli academic institutions and a ceasefire in Gaza.
This content was published on
Swiss public broadcasters RTS and SRF are drastically reducing their communications via the social network X (formerly Twitter).
Israel: president of Swiss universities rejects academic boycott
This content was published on
Luciana Vaccaro, president of Swissuniversities, the umbrella group of Swiss universities, is not in favour of an academic boycott of Israeli universities.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland cooperates with Vatican fraud investigation
This content was published on
The justice ministry has sent documents to the Vatican as part of an investigation into suspected bribery related to a London property purchase.
Government against military tax waiver for Vatican’s Swiss Guard
This content was published on
The parliament is considering a proposal to exempt the Swiss Guard from paying a penalty for not completing their mandatory military service.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.