The Swiss Guard: An Overview

The official date of birth of the Pontifical Swiss Guard is recognized as 22 January, 1506. The elite security group was founded by Pope Julius II who commissioned the aid of approximately 150 mercenaries to protect him and the Vatican. The Swiss Guard has existed since that time. As a whole, the Guard has been responsible for the safety and security of the Holy See for over 500 years. They are still easily recognizable by their red, blue, and yellow striped uniforms and crimson plumed helmets as they stand guard and patrol around various locations within the Vatican.

Today, many would see the role of the Swiss Guard as mostly ceremonial, but the force is still one to be respected as an elite protective service. Recruits and veteran members alike receive regular training on modern weapons (to include pistols and rifles), unarmed self defense, and the same defensive bodyguard tactics used by the protectors of various heads of state.

Requirements to join the Swiss Guard have historically been strict. Currently, new recruits are required to be unmarried male Swiss citizens between the ages of 19 and 30 years old who are Roman Catholics of good moral ethical background, who have attended the military school in Switzerland, are at least 174 cm (6 ft) tall, and who have earned either a professional or high school degree. While the Swiss Guard does not currently recruit women, the topic has been the subject of debate for years, and many within the current ranks of the Swiss Guard are doing what they can to let women join.

Every year, on the sixth of May, new guards are sworn in to the Swiss Guard in a public and elaborate ceremony. This specific date is significant to the history of the Swiss Guard because it was on this day in 1527 that 147 Swiss Guards died protecting the life of Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome. Every year on the sixth of May, Swiss Guard recruits will grasp the flag of the corps, raise three fingers to represent the Holy Trinity, and swear to uphold the oath of the Swiss Guards to protect Benedict and his successors with all their strength and their lives.

In addition to families of the recruits and the general public, former Swiss Guards will also journey to the Vatican to watch the swearing in ceremonies and reminisce on past years of service. Because of the small size of the Swiss Guard, a strong feeling and sense of camaraderie binds present and past members, and past members are encouraged to stay in close contact with each other through organizations like the "Ex-Guardsmann Association".

Sources:

Swiss Guard. The Roman Curia.

Nicole Winfield. Vatican Swiss Guards Consider Opening to Women. Associated Press.