Swiss Guards, Italian Guardia Svizzera, corps of Swiss soldiers responsible for the safety of the pope . Often called “the world’s smallest army,” they serve as personal escorts to the pontiff and as watchmen for Vatican City and the pontifical villa of Castel Gandolfo.
Are the Vatican Swiss Guards Swiss?
Famed for their striped uniforms and halberds, the Vatican’s Swiss Guard was formed in 1506 to defend the Pope and admits only unmarried Swiss men, younger than 30 and at least 172cm tall. ... The barracks, due to be opened by 2026, will replace shared quarters with single ensuite rooms for the 135 guards.
Do you have to be Swiss to be in the Swiss Guard?
And not just anyone can join: You must be Swiss, Catholic, male, tall (at least 5 feet, 9 inches), have an “irreproachable” reputation and have served at least two years in the Swiss army . It is not an occupation for a lifetime, either. Most guards serve from two to three years before returning home to Switzerland.
How much does a Swiss Guard get paid?
Once accepted, volunteers vow to “faithfully, loyally and honourably serve” the pope and his successors “sacrificing if necessary [their own] life to defend them.”[1] The yearly salary for an entry level halberder (private) in the Swiss Guard is €15,600 a year (about $18,400 USD) .
What language do the Swiss Guard speak?
In the Swiss Guard, Swiss German is the language used for giving commands, but the individual guards take their oath of loyalty in their own languages: German, French, Italian or Romansh.
Can you take pictures with the Swiss Guard?
All photography in St. Peter’s Basilica is absolutely fine but again there are no selfie sticks allowed or anything that may seem like professional equipment. If you have a good zoom – go ahead and take a photo of the Swiss Guards in their colorful uniforms. Those usually make for great shots.
Can Swiss Guard marry?
As if that didn’t make the choosing hard enough, these men must also have undergone mandatory military service in Switzerland and mustn’t be married. Although they are eventually allowed to marry , this is usually only permitted to those over the age of 25 who have reached the rank of Corporal.
Is there a jail in the Vatican?
The Vatican has no prison system , apart from a few cells for pre-trial detention. People sentenced to imprisonment by the Vatican serve time in Italian prisons, with costs covered by the Vatican.
Why is the pope guarded by Swiss Army?
Various European royals used small corps of Swiss mercenary soldiers to protect themselves and their palaces. Pope Julius II had admired the Swiss soldiers, who defended the king of France, and he requested a contingent of 200 to serve as his personal bodyguards and to defend his palaces.
Who is the head of the Swiss Guard?
Colonel Christoph Graf was born 5 September 1961 and is a citizen of Pfaffnau LU. He is married with two children.
Does the Pope have to be a virgin?
Although the Pope still remains restricted to celibacy , the rule for priests in the Catholic Church is a topic of debate nowadays. With many believers and members of the church believing celibacy should be optional as it is in other Christian churches.
What does it take to be a Swiss Guard?
New recruits must be unmarried Roman Catholic males with Swiss citizenship, between 19 and 30 years of age, and at least 5 feet 8 inches (1.74 metres) tall; they must have a professional diploma or high school degree and must complete basic training with the Swiss military .
Who designed Swiss Guard uniform?
If you need further proof, the website of the Pontifical Swiss Guards attributes the current design of the uniform to Commandant Jules Repond (1910-1921).
Who do the Swiss Guard salute?
In addition to their duties in public, the guards patrol the Apostolic Palace corridor just outside the papal apartments 24 hours a day, and when the Pope goes in or out, the sentinel on duty gives a snappy salute on bended knee.
Why are you not allowed to take pictures in the Sistine Chapel?
It’s protected by a copyright law, which means selling those snaps, or even sharing them on social media without permission, could lead to a fine. Meanwhile, photography is off limits at the Sistine Chapel in Italy. The reason? The flashes from cameras can be harmful to the artwork.
Does Switzerland have an army?
The Swiss Armed Forces (German: Schweizer Armee, French: Armée suisse, Italian: Esercito svizzero, Romansh: Armada svizra) operates on land and in the air , serving as the primary armed forces of Switzerland. ... Compulsory military service applies to all male Swiss citizens, with women serving voluntarily.
