The Holy See banned scantily clad tourists from entering Vatican City. Now, guards stop tourists in shorts or dresses with bare shoulders and advise them of the modest dress requirement for entry at the main entrance to the Vatican. Some tourists have already been sent to nearby shops for handkerchiefs, scarves, and trousers. These new requirements particularly irked local Romans, who are accustomed to “nip in and out of” Vatican City frequently to visit local pharmacies, post offices, and shops. Previously, the ban on revealing clothing was applicable only to St Peter’s Basilica, Interfax reported.
29 July 2010
Voice of Russia World Service
http://rus.ruvr.ru/2010/07/29/13780353.html
Editor’s Note:
Here’s a snippet from the Telegraph (UK):
Given all the scandals the Church has been involved in, what possible right can it have to be preaching about the morality of sleeveless dresses?” said one woman in her seventies, identified only as Maria. The tough dress code also applied to Romans using the Vatican’s pharmacy, supermarket, and post office.
If there was ever a “wrong” time for such a ban, it’s now. Benedict had best slap down predator priests, “blind” bishops, and conniving civil authorities first… then, people wouldn’t find him a hypocrite. My view? I find the “dress code” mild, to be sure… it’s not a requirement to wear a black burqa or granny dress, after all (let’s be fair, you could throw a coverup over a spaghetti-strap top). However, it’s VERY BAD TIMING… it makes Benny look stupid in the extreme. Now, if it was linked with him demanding gaol time for paedophiles… then, people might take notice. As it stands, it’s a good thing at the wrong time… always a bad idea. In any case, Benny isn’t going to dictate to the Romani… now, THAT’S stupid. He should know better…
BMD
Voices from Russia 
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