Swiss Guard
The Pontifical Swiss Guard (also Papal Swiss Guard or simply Swiss Guard; Latin: Pontificia Cohors Helvetica; Italian: Guardia Svizzera Pontificia; German: Päpstliche Schweizergarde; French: Garde suisse pontificale; Romansh: Guardia svizra papala) is an armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City State. Established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is among the oldest military units in continuous operation.
| Pontifical Swiss Guard | |
|---|---|
| Pontificia Cohors Helvetica (Latin) Guardia Svizzera Pontificia (Italian) Päpstliche Schweizergarde (German) Garde suisse pontificale (French) Guardia svizra papala (Romansh) | |
Current banner of the Pontifical Swiss Guard of Pope Francis under the command of Christoph Graf | |
| Active | 1506–1527 1548–1798 1800–1809 1814–present |
| Country |
|
| Allegiance | Pope Francis |
| Type | Army |
| Role | Close protection, Honour guard |
| Size | 135 men |
| Garrison/HQ | Vatican City |
| Patron | |
| Motto(s) | Acriter et Fideliter "Fiercely and Faithfully" |
| Colors | Red, yellow & blue |
| Anniversaries | 6 May |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-chief | Pope Francis |
| Commander | Christoph Graf |
| Vice commander | Loïc Marc Rossier |
The dress uniform is of blue, red, orange and yellow with a distinctly Renaissance appearance. The Swiss Guard are equipped with traditional ceremonial 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.
Recruits to the guards must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between 18 and 30 years of age who have completed basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces.
The unit's security mission is complemented by the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City.