About The Swiss Guards:
When visiting the Vatican, you will undoubtedly see members of the Swiss Guard. Their brightly colored uniforms are had to miss; but make no mistake, the Swiss Guards are not there just for show…they are actually members of the world’s smallest army, and serve a very real purpose.
Officially termed the Pontifical Swiss Guard, The Swiss Guards represent a unique and historic military entity dedicated to the protection of the Pope and the Vatican City. This unit is often cited as one of the oldest and smallest armies globally, with a current membership of 135 as of 2024.
The origins of the Swiss Guard:
The origins of the Swiss Guards trace back to the late 15th century, when alliances between Pope Sixtus IV (1471–1484) and the Swiss Confederacy highlighted the valor of Swiss mercenaries. Swiss mercenaries were renowned across Europe for their discipline, loyalty, and ferocity in battle. PopeJulius wanted the best and so the Swiss Guards were formally established in 1506, with the first contingent of 150 soldiers officially entering service on January 22 of that year.
A pivotal moment in their history was the Sack of Rome on 6 May 1527, during which 147 out of 189 Guards were killed defending Pope Clement VII against the Lansquenets enlisted in the army of Charles V, enabling his escape.
Over the centuries, the unit faced multiple dis-bandments and re-constitutions during periods of political instability before being permanently reinstated in 1849. Significant modern reforms were initiated by Jules Repond, commander from 1910 to 1921, who introduced rigorous military exercises and the iconic Renaissance uniforms that you see today (the oft-repeated story that they were designed by Michelangelo appears not to be correct).
The assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981 marked a turning point, prompting a shift towards non-ceremonial roles with enhanced training in modern security techniques, including counter-terrorism and tactical driving. The 500th anniversary in 2006 was celebrated with 80 former guards marching from Bellinzona to Rome, and 33 new guards sworn in on 6 May 2006, reflecting continued tradition and renewal.
The primary duty of the Swiss Guards is to ensure the safety of the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within Vatican City State.
In addition to providing protection for the Pope in the Vatican, their responsibilities extend to protecting the Pope during apostolic travels, securing the pontifical villa at Castel Gandolfo, and safeguarding the College of Cardinals during a sede vacante—the period between a Pope’s death and the election of a successor.
The scope of the duties of The Swiss Guard is vast, encompassing a broad spectrum of security functions:
Anti-Irregular Military Operations: Training to counter unconventional threats.
Bodyguard Duties: Personal protection of the Pope.
Bomb Disposal and CBRN Defense: Handling chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
Close-Quarters Battle and Counterterrorism: Engaging in tactical combat scenarios.
Counterintelligence and Counter-Sniper Tactics: Preventing espionage and sniper attacks.
Covert Operations and Force Protection: Undercover missions and securing key areas.
Hostage Rescue and Human Intelligence: Managing hostage situations and gathering intelligence.
Law Enforcement and Patrolling: Maintaining order and security within Vatican City.
Medical Evacuation and Tactical Emergency Medical Services: Providing emergency medical support.
Public Duties and Raiding: Ceremonial appearances and tactical raids.
Reconnaissance and Urban Warfare: Gathering information and operating in urban environments.
Since 1981, following the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, the Guard has placed greater emphasis on executive protection, tactical driving, and fast shooting with small arms, enhancing their capability to respond to modern threats. While the overall security of Vatican City is managed by the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City, the Swiss Guards focus specifically on the Pope’s personal protection and ceremonial functions, such as standing guard in their distinctive uniforms during public events.
All soldiers carry a dress sword, each with an intricate handle that corresponds to the owner’s rank. Their principal weapon, however, is the halberd (also known as a “Swiss Voulge”), which is the equivalent of a spear with an axe near the tip.
Those with higher ranking are equipped with a partisan, a long-handled spear, and those above Corporal walk around unarmed or simply carry a command baton.
That said, in keeping with their times, their arsenal has been updated to include Glocks (semi-automatic pistols) and AK-47s (sub-machine guns), which tend to be kept from public view.
Requirements to become a Swiss Guard:
As of 2024, The Swiss Guard comprises 135 members, an increase from 110 in October 2019, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain a robust force. Recruitment is highly selective, with candidates required to meet stringent criteria:
Unmarried Swiss Catholic males aged 19–30.
Minimum height of 5 ft 8.5 in.
Completion of basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces.
Possession of a professional diploma or high school degree.
Guards serve a minimum of 26 months, with the option to extend service, and can marry after five years of service. In 2006, their monthly salary was reported as €3100 ($3500 US) tax-free, supplemented by overtime pay, with room and board provided within Vatican City.
As these men all come from religious Catholic families, they tend to consider their service to the pope as a great honor rather than a for-profit profession.
The uniforms of the Swiss Guards:
The Swiss Guard uniforms, characterized by their vibrant blue, red, and yellow stripes, have traditionally been attributed to Michelangelo, though historical evidence suggests the design evolved over time, with significant influence from 19th-century commander Jules Repond, who modernized the uniform in 1914, drawing inspiration from Renaissance-era clothing and earlier Guard attire.
Swearing-in of Swiss Guards:
Every year – in the presence of a Swiss delegation – the new guards take an oath on May 6, the anniversary of the sack of Rome as mentioned previously,
In 2025, this was postponed until Autumn due to the death of Pope Francis in April.
Click here for the official website of the Pontifical Swiss Guards.