Swiss Guard

20 Maret 2025

The Swiss Guard is the papal security force that has protected the Pope and the Vatican for over 500 years, since its establishment by Pope Julius II on January 22, 1506.

Origins of the Swiss Guard

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Swiss mercenaries were renowned throughout Europe for their courage, loyalty, and military skill. Pope Julius II, who had connections to Switzerland through his tenure as Bishop of Lausanne, decided to recruit a group of Swiss guards to protect himself and the Apostolic Palace.

On January 22, 1506, a group of 150 Swiss soldiers arrived at the Vatican, led by Captain Kaspar von Silenen. This date is considered the official founding date of the Guardia Svizzera Pontificia (Pontifical Swiss Guard).

Historic Sacrifice

The most historic moment in Swiss Guard history occurred during the Sack of Rome on May 6, 1527. When troops of the Holy Roman Empire attacked Rome, 147 of the 189 Swiss Guards fell while protecting Pope Clement VII, giving him time to escape through the Passetto di Borgo to Castel Sant'Angelo.

This heroic sacrifice has become an integral part of the Swiss Guard's identity and tradition. To this day, the swearing-in ceremony for new Swiss Guard recruits is always held on May 6 to commemorate the sacrifice of their predecessors.

The Modern Swiss Guard

Today, the Swiss Guard consists of approximately 135 soldiers. To become a member of the Swiss Guard, one must be a Swiss citizen, a practicing Catholic, single, between 19-30 years of age, at least 174 cm tall, and have completed basic training in the Swiss Armed Forces.

Although their colorful uniforms are often attributed to Michelangelo's design, they were actually introduced in the early 20th century and inspired by Renaissance paintings. Their modern uniform consists of a blue beret, a high-collared doublet, and striped bloomers in blue, red, and yellow—the colors of the Medici family.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Swiss Guard has three primary duties: protecting the Pope, guarding the security of the Apostolic Palace and the entrances to Vatican City, and performing ceremonial duties during papal and state functions.

Although often seen as ceremonial figures, the Swiss Guards are well-trained security personnel. They are proficient in martial arts and the use of modern firearms, in addition to mastering traditional weapons like the halberd (a type of polearm).

The Swiss Guard remains the only military force of Vatican City and is the oldest standing army in the world that is still on active duty.