With the announcement of Pope Leo XIV, here is the scoop on the Swiss Guards around him
Today starts another chapter at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV. Following in a long history, he will be a world leader and the only religious leader who is head of a state represented at the United Nations. While Pope Francis lived simply, the pope is surrounded by almost 2000 years of pageantry and tradition. One of those is the people who protect him. Â Here is what ot know about the Vatican’s Swiss Guards.
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The Swiss Guard’s origins trace back to Swiss mercenaries who were highly valued in Europe for their military prowess. The guard has a storied history of loyalty and bravery, notably during the Sack of Rome in 1527, when 147 of the 189 guards died defending Pope Clement VII, allowing him to escape. Over the centuries, the Guard has shifted from a combat unit to primarily a protective and ceremonial force. The Guard combines tradition with modern security training, having enhanced tactical readiness after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.
Recruits must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males aged 19 to 30, with military training and a professional diploma or high school degree. After five years of service, guards may marry if they are at least 25 years old.
Their residence is located in the heart of Vatican City, just beyond Porta Sant’Anna, within a barracks built in the 19th century. Their living quarters are specifically situated at the eastern edge of the city, north of St. Peter’s Square and beside the Vatican Palace. This arrangement allows them to be close to the areas they are tasked with protecting, including the Apostolic Palace and the Pope’s private apartment. Some guards who are married and have families also live in apartments within Vatican City
Today, the Swiss Guard numbers around 135 members and remains one of the world’s oldest standing military units. They are recognized not only for their colorful uniforms and ceremonial duties but also for their serious commitment to protecting the Pope and Vatican City with loyalty and bravery.
