The Swiss Guard is one of the oldest and most symbolic military corps in the world. Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, it arose from the urgent need for men who would not retreat in the face of danger. To this end, he summoned 150 Swiss mercenaries, already famous at that time for their bravery and discipline.
The Swiss Guard demonstrated their loyalty heroically in 1527, during the Sack of Rome, when only 42 guards survived after protecting the Pope at the altar, allowing him to escape while they fought to the death.
The requirements to join the Swiss Guard
Today, the Swiss Guard has 135 members, carefully selected under strict requirements. To apply, one must be a Swiss citizen, profess the Catholic faith, be male, be between 19 and 30 years old, be at least 1.74 meters (5 feet 8.5 inches) tall, be single, be in excellent health, and have previously completed military training in the Swiss army. Additionally, each guard must take a solemn oath: to be willing to give their life for the Pope.
The training to become part of this corps is very rigorous. Recruits begin their training in Switzerland, where they are trained in self-defense, firearms handling, fire control, and law.
Then, in the Vatican, they continue their training in the use of traditional weapons such as the halberd, diplomatic protocol, emergency response, and the Italian language.
