Who Does The Swiss Guard Protect

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.

There are strict admission requirements to become a Swiss guard. … Each recruit must be a faithful Roman Catholic as endorsed by his hometown’s Parish Priest. Recruits must have completed basic military training in Switzerland in order to continue to the first five weeks of training with the guards in Rome. …

A History Of Courage. The Swiss Guard’s first major engagement,and the one that proved the force’s dedication and abilities,occurred on May 6th,1527. From Spears To Sigs. One of the most interesting aspects of the Swiss Guard is their armory,which is like no other in the world. The Vatican’s Blue Line. …

While the Swiss Guard has many ceremonial responsibilities—guarding Vatican checkpoints, standing sentry in the Apostolic Palace, appearing at celebratory masses and other events—their ultimate job is to keep the pope out of harm’s way, even if that means taking a bullet for him.

Does the Swiss Guard do anything?

While the Swiss Guard has many ceremonial responsibilities—guarding Vatican checkpoints, standing sentry in the Apostolic Palace, appearing at celebratory masses and other events—their ultimate job is to keep the pope out of harm’s way, even if that means taking a bullet for him.

Why is the Vatican protected by the Swiss Guard?

The unit was founded by Pope Julius II in 1506. Many guards died protecting a later pope during the looting of Rome of 1527 (commemorating the anniversary of this ’martyrdom’ has since become a tradition).

When did the Swiss Guards protect the pope?

To qualify, they must be Swiss Catholic males, between the ages of 19 and 30 and reaching a minimum height requirement of 5’8″ (174 cm). 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.

What do Swiss Guards carry?

While in traditional dress, the guards carry pikes and swords, but they are also trained in the use of modern weaponry and counterterrorism techniques. The living quarters of the Swiss Guards are at the eastern edge of the city, north of St. Peter’s Square and beside the Vatican palace.

Can the Swiss Guard fight?

Swiss Guards in Battle. While the majority of duties upheld by Swiss Guards are peaceful, they have been involved in some devastating battles through the ages. Their most significant military engagement was in 1527 when 190 guards were killed during a battle with the Holy Roman Empire.

What weapons did Swiss mercenaries use?

These Swiss soldiers were equally proficient in the use of crossbows, early firearms, swords, and halberds. A These Swiss soldiers were equally proficient in the use of crossbows, early firearms, swords, and halberds. A halberd is an axe blade topped with a spike and mounted on a long shaft.

How much do Swiss Guards get paid?

A recruit can expect to earn just over SFr1,500 ($942) a month – a seemingly paltry sum. However, Segmxfcller said the salary has to be seen alongside the other benefits of the job. “The guards pay no taxes or health insurance,” he said.

Can Swiss Guards marry?

To qualify, they must be Swiss Catholic males, between the ages of 19 and 30 and reaching a minimum height requirement of 5’8″ (174 cm). 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.

Can anyone join the 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 pays for the Swiss Guard at the Vatican?

On December 9, 2021, the Zurich government council granted 800,000 Swiss francs for the barracks of the Pope’s personal guard. The money is taken from the charitable fund, which is fed with lottery money.

Do the Swiss Guards carry guns?

The Swiss Guard are equipped with traditional weapons, such as the halberd, as well as with modern firearms. Since the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, a much stronger emphasis has been placed on the Guard’s non-ceremonial roles, and has seen enhanced training in unarmed combat and small arms.

Are the Swiss Guard allowed to 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.