The Vatican was ready for the Battle of Rome last week. Against possible "foreign aggression" it had:
¶Begun the construction of a hefty steel fence outside the Vatican wall.
¶Mobilized a "special defense corps" estimated at 2,000 men to guard Vatican property in Rome.
¶Acquired a fleet of 21 coastal ships to bring food to the "hard-pressed people of Rome and Vatican City." The ships will operate between Rome and Genoa, flying the Vatican flag.†
Other defense measures taken during the past six months: 1) increase of the efficient, well-equipped Swiss Guards from 100 to 600 men; 2) increase of the Pontifical Military Guard...