Anyone visiting the Vatican will notice them immediately: the blue, yellow and red striped Renaissance-uniform, the halberds at the entrances, the motionless posture on guard duty. The Swiss Guard is one of the most well-known institutions of the Catholic Church and, at the same time, the oldest active standing army in the world. Since 22 January 1506, men from Switzerland have been responsible for the personal safety of the Pope. This is a portrait of the papal bodyguard: its historical roots, the strict conditions for admission, daily life on duty, and a look ahead to a remarkable 2026, which is associated with the start of a large-scale barracks renovation and the first regular swearing-in ceremony under Pope Leo XIV.
From the Sacco di Roma to the present day
The history of the Swiss Guard begins on 22 January 1506, when 150 mercenaries under the command of the Uri captain Kaspar von Silenen marched through the Porta del Popolo into Rome and were received by Pope Julius II. This date is officially regarded as the founding moment of the Corps, according to the portrait published by the Vatican portal Vaticannews. Then as now, the mission was clear: to protect the person of the Pope and to guard the entrances to his residence. Two decades later, the Swiss Guard was to experience its historic baptism of fire .
On 6 May 1527, the troops of Emperor Charles V stormed the Vatican during the sacking of the city that has become known as the Sacco di Roma . In the ensuing battle, 189 guardsmen gave their lives to enable Pope Clement VII to retreat via the Passetto di Borgo to the Castel Sant'Angelo . That day has since become the central date of the Corps: every year on 6 May, new recruits are sworn in during a solemn ceremony, in remembrance of the historic sacrifice of 1527. Following the founding of the Vatican City State in 1929, the Swiss Guard was officially designated as the militia of the new microstate. During the Second World War, Pope Pius XII temporarily increased troop numbers considerably to provide additional security for the Vatican and for those seeking refuge.
Swiss nationals only, male, Catholic: who becomes a member of the Swiss Guard?
Anyone wishing to join the Corps must meet a number of strict requirements . According to the Italian portal Funweek , applicants must be Swiss citizens, members of the Catholic faith, male, unmarried and between 19 and 30 years of age. The minimum height is 174 centimetres. A completed vocational qualification or Matura, completed military service in the Swiss Army and an unblemished record are also required. German and Austrian applicants are therefore excluded from admission, regardless of their religious denomination.
The basic training lasts around two months in total and takes place in two stages: an intensive military and police training course at the training centre of the Ticino Cantonal Police and the Swiss Army in Isone, followed by a specific introduction to the duties and traditions of the Corps in the Vatican. The minimum period of service is 26 months. Until a few years ago, a ban on marriage was a further factor that made recruitment more difficult. Following a reform, guardsmen are permitted to marry after five years of service, regardless of their military rank. This measure is also a response to the recruitment difficulties arising from the favourable economic climate in Switzerland and the smaller year groups resulting from demographic trends.
Renaissance uniform and modern weapons: daily life on duty
The Swiss Guard's iconic appearance is defined by its distinctive Renaissance uniform in blue, yellow and red. In its most elaborate version, known as the Gran Gala , complete with cuirass and helmet, it is worn at the highest ceremonies, such as the papal blessing Urbi et Orbi at Christmas and Easter. During everyday guard duty, guardsmen wear plainer versions of the uniform as well as civilian working attire. In addition to the traditional halberds, they are equipped with modern firearms of the kind standard among European security corps. The supervisory and security service operates around the clock, with fixed guard shifts assigned to the entrances and reception rooms of the Apostolic Palace.
Guardsmen's salaries amount to around 1,500 euros net per month, with board and lodging within the Vatican provided free of charge. The guardsmen live in modern flats within the so-called Quartiere Svizzero inside the Vatican, with cable television and internet access. The intended establishment strength of the Corps is 135 men, while the actual number fluctuates depending on the recruitment situation. The internal hierarchy ranges from the ordinary halberdier and drummer, through non-commissioned officers and officers, to the commandant holding the rank of colonel. The current commandant is Colonel Christoph Graf. The motto of the Corps is Acriter et fideliter, "with courage and fidelity".
Where visitors to the Vatican encounter the Swiss Guard
For travellers visiting the Vatican, the guardsmen are visible at several entrances and locations. The most prominent guard post is at the Porta Sant'Anna on the Via di Porta Angelica, the main everyday entrance to the Vatican City State for staff and authorised visitors. Also at the Portone di Bronzo at the end of the right colonnade of St Peter's Square, the ceremonial entrance to the Apostolic Palace, guards are posted. During solemn ceremonies in St Peter's Basilica, at the papal general audiences on Wednesdays in St Peter's Square, and at the Angelus addresses on Sundays from the window of the Apostolic Palace, they are present in their Gran Gala attire.
Those who visit the Cortile di San Damaso, the ceremonial Cortile d'Onore of the Apostolic Palace, will also see the row of guards accompanying the Pope at receptions for visiting heads of state. On papal journeys both within Italy and abroad, selected guards form part of the security delegation. Direct contact between visitors and individual guards remains limited for practical reasons: guard duty follows strict protocols, and conversation during service is not permitted. Those wishing to learn more about the corps will find further details on the official website schweizergarde.ch and in information materials available at Vatican information points.
Pope Leo XIV, the 2026 swearing-in and the barracks renovation
The year 2026 is a particularly significant one for the Swiss Guard in several respects. On 6 May 2026, in the Aula Paolo VI, relocated on an exceptional basis from the Cortile di San Damaso due to weather conditions, 28 new recruits were sworn in. Pope Leo XIV addressed the new guards in a brief speech, expressing his appreciation and gratitude. The Pope concluded his remarks with greetings in Italian, German and French. A Swiss delegation was present, led by Federal President Guy Parmelin.
The second major news of the year concerns the planned renovation of the barracks. According to the Swiss Catholic news agency Catt.ch, construction work on the new barracks is set to begin in 2026. The project envisages an almost complete demolition of the existing barracks, with only the façade facing the Italian side to be retained. The entire Quartiere Svizzerois to be upgraded in order to create modern living and working conditions for the guards. The renovation forms part of a broader modernisation effort, which is also intended to increase the appeal of service for new recruits.
