The Pontifical Swiss Guard, [note 1] also known as the Papal Swiss Guard or simply Swiss Guard,[4] is an armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City State.

Swiss Guards are a corps of Swiss soldiers responsible for the safety of the pope. Often called ‘the world’s smallest army,’ they serve as personal escorts to the pontiff and as watchmen for Vatican City and the pontifical villa of Castel Gandolfo.

Mar 31, 2023 · They’re known as the Swiss Guard, a group of men with Swiss citizenship selected and trained by the Swiss Armed Forces. They’re sometimes referred to as the Vatican City Police, but the nation-state has its own police force that’s in charge of its security.

Five hundred years ago, Swiss soldiers were recruited into the Papal army for their loyalty and fighting qualities. Since then, the Swiss Guard – known today for its professionalism and discipline – is entrusted with the task of ensuring the safety of the Pope.

The Swiss Guard has protected the pope and his residence since 1506, and that has not changed to this day. Today the traditional Renaissance uniform is worn by a modern, well-trained, young Swiss. What connects him to his 16th century predecessors is his firm conviction that he serves Christ’s Church and his Vicar on Earth, the successor of ...

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, founded by Pope Julius II in 1506, is a military body made up of Swiss citizens, whose main task is to constantly monitor the safety of the Person of the Supreme Pontiff and of his residence.

Swiss Guards (French: Gardes Suisses [ɡaʁd sɥis]; German: Schweizergarde [ˈʃvaɪ̯tsɐˌɡaʁdə] ⓘ; Italian: Guardie Svizzere [ˈɡwardje ˈzvittsere]) are Swiss soldiers who have served as guards at foreign European courts since the late 15th century.

For over 500 years, the Swiss Guard has been at the service of the Popes and has been watching over the Vatican. It all began in 1506 when the first Swiss arrived on request of the then... Read more

May 5, 2023 · On this day in 1527, 189 Swiss guards defended Pope Clement VII against German Landsknecht soldiers and Spanish mercenaries. Pope Clement VII and only 42 of the guards survived. Today, there are strict requirements on who can be a Swiss Guard.

May 3, 2024 · While most tourists may only see the Swiss Guard as colorful and quaint -- standing guard at papal events and surveilling entrances into Vatican City State -- they are top-tier security specialists who actually find their most needed weapon is words.