The Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II in 1506. Here's what to know about the 500-year-old military body.

The elite Swiss Guard watching over conclave have a dramatic role as papal bodyguards The answer to why the guards are the pope’s chosen protectors lies in their Renaissance-style uniform.

The Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II in 1506. Here's what to know about the 500-year-old military body.

Swiss soldiers had already been picked to guard the pope in 1506 by Pope Julius II, known as the “Warrior Pope.” He chose them because the Swiss were renowned fighters throughout Europe then.

A group of new Swiss Guard recruits officially joined the ranks after swearing to “faithfully, loyally and honorably serve the reigning Pontiff” at the Vatican on Saturday. Wearing the red ...

New recruits of Swiss Guards line up in formation to practice the march and routine of the swearing-in ceremony on May 6, 2024, commemorating the sacrifice of 147 guards who died protecting the ...

Currently, the Swiss Guard is led by Col. Christoph Graf, and its members are responsible for guarding access to Vatican territory, accompanying the Pope on his apostolic journeys, ...

For almost three decades, the Swiss Guard uniforms have been crafted by Ety Cicioni, the Vatican’s head tailor. Maintaining the century-old design of uniform has become a challenge as certain ...

The Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II in 1506. Here's what to know about the 500-year-old military body.

A new Swiss Guard swears to “faithfully, loyally, and honorably serve the reigning Pontiff” during a ceremony on May 6, 2023. Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

New recruits of Swiss Guards line up in formation to practice the march and routine of the swearing-in ceremony on May 6, 2024, commemorating the sacrifice of 147 guards who died protecting the ...

The Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II in 1506. Here's what to know about the 500-year-old military body.