What is the Swiss Guard, the protectors of the Pope for over 500 years?
President Javier Milei with a Swiss guard
porEditorial Team
Argentina
Behind the striking uniform, there is an elite body willing to die for the Pope
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.
La Guardia Suiza y el fallecido Papa Francisco.
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.
Although their colorful uniforms and halberds may seem merely decorative, the guards are armed and ready to act in real situations, as happened in 1981 when they protected Pope John Paul II after the attack he suffered in St. Peter's Square.
Beyond their role of direct protection, the Swiss Guard plays a crucial role during historical moments such as the death of a Pope, as happened with Francis. In those days, the Guard goes into lockdown, closes the Sistine Chapel, and becomes the custodian of the secrets and the order of the Conclave that will elect the new Supreme Pontiff. Without phones, without media, without interruptions, the guards protect not just a person, but an entire faith.
La Guardia Suiza.
Their uniform, with bright blue, red, and yellow colors, designed during the Renaissance, is recognized worldwide. However, behind those stripes and that solemn appearance, there are centuries of tradition, discipline, and sacrifice.
The Swiss Guard is not a mere tourist attraction, but represents a brotherhood, the highest commitment of loyalty, being willing to die to protect whom they consider the Vicar of Christ on Earth.
Every time the world observes these men motionless, firm in their armor during solemn events, it witnesses the living embodiment of a promise that has endured for more than 500 years: to serve with honor and give life if necessary.
In their silence and firmness, the Swiss Guard continues to remind the world that faith, loyalty, and sacrifice still hold an essential place in human history.
