popepalooza

Pope Francis’s Security Detail’s Main Job Is Giving Him Babies to Kiss

Pope Francis
Pope Francis gives baby a kiss and cool anecdote to tell friends for rest of his or her life. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP/Corbis

Pope Francis just finished touring downtown D.C. in the popemobile.

During the parade, he waved at thousands of people, many who had waited hours and traveled many miles to get a glimpse of the Catholic leader. He also promoted his security detail — made up of Vatican police, members of the Swiss Guard, and the Secret Service — to a new and much less stress-inducing position. Although they began the parade thinking their main objective was protecting the pope, he soon gave them a loftier job title: Papal Baby Taxi. A serious-looking man dressed in black plucked at least one cute baby from the adoring crowd, transporting him or her to the pope’s white Jeep Wrangler for a quick kiss on the head. 

Given the reaction from the masses and newscasters, it is likely the guards will have to do that a few more times over the next few days. In other news, that kid will now never lose “Two Truths and a Lie” for the rest of his or her life. 

Papal Security’s Main Job Is Finding Babies