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.

A Swiss guard adjusts his hat as he waits for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI to lead a special audience with priests of the Diocese of Rome in Paul VI's hall at the Vatican February 14, 2013.

That hat is proof that majesty might find its highest form in millinery. Surrounding the augustly arrayed pope with Swiss Guard is like assigning a peacock the Angry Birds as security.

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.

After Pope Francis’s decision in 2018 to increase the number of Swiss Guards from 110 to 135, “the need to hire new recruits has increased,” the communique said, saying the process of ...

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, ... From Kick Off to Hat Trick. In the first half, the Americans took a quick 3-1 lead – thanks to Sgt. Jose Ortiz, a 173rd NCO who scored three times.

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

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, ...

As millions of pilgrims are expected for the jubilee year in Rome, Pope Francis praised the patient service of the Swiss Guard and support for their families. Thursday, April 24, 2025.

ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 10, 2025 / 15:45 pm. The mission of the Swiss Guard, the oldest military corps in the world, is to ensure the security of the pope and protect the cardinals when the chair of ...