Learn about the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the army of the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Vatican City. Discover its origins, uniform, equipment, banner, criteria, and salary.
The mission of the Swiss Guard, the oldest military corps in the world, is to ensure the security of the pope and protect the cardinals when the chair of Peter is vacant.
Learn about the history, duties, and uniforms of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the world's smallest army dedicated to the protection of the Pope and the Vatican. Find out how to visit them and see their ceremonial appearances in Vatican City.
Learn how the Swiss Guard, the world's oldest standing military unit, was created in 1506 to defend the Vatican and the papacy. Discover the key historical events that shaped its evolution, from the Sack of Rome to World War II to the 1981 assassination attempt.
In 1506, the first 150 Swiss soldiers arrived in Rome, marking the official birth of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Since then, this elite military unit has served with honor, becoming one of the oldest active military forces in the world.
The Swiss Guard, as the group is called, found a place in the royal courts of France, Prussia, Austria, the Netherlands and several other nations. The Pontifical Swiss Guard — the only guards of this type still in existence — have served as papal defenders for more than five centuries.
It’s the smallest and most mysterious army in the world: the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The film accompanies these men of faith and combat, from their recruitment in Switzerland to their military ...
Learn about the Pontifical Swiss Guards, the last mercenary troops of Switzerland, who have a long-standing service to the Vatican. Discover their strict admission requirements, their colorful uniforms, their ancient armor, and their daily duties.
Learn how to join the Swiss Guard, including eligibility requirements, application process, training, duties, and career progression.
Discover how the Swiss Guard balances tradition with modern security at Vatican City, protecting major events and ensuring Pope Francis's safety.
Learn how the Swiss Guard, also known as the Pontifical Swiss Guard, came to be the pope's bodyguards in 1506 and what they do today. Find out how they are recruited, trained, paid and what challenges they face in their role.
Historical Archive of the Section fot Relations with States Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (A.P.S.A.) Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses ...
Swiss Guard in the Holy See, military of Vatican City. Origin, recruitment conditions, mission, traditions, how to become a guard, uniforms, training, contact and traditions.
On 6 May 2025, the Pontifical Swiss Guard will commemorate the 147 guards who fell heroically in the Sack of Rome in 1537, defending the Holy Father, Pope Clement VII.
On Wednesday, members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard placed beaded ropes with the guard’s seal at the entrances to the palace to ensure privacy and maintain secrecy for the cardinals.
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