Sarah Mitchell
The Catholic Church's military unit, the Pontifical Swiss Guard, also known as the Papal Swiss Guard, is often referred to as the world's smallest army. The unit was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II to protect the Pope and his residence. The Swiss Guard has a rich history, with origins in the 15th century, and is known for its distinctive Renaissance-era uniforms. As of 2024, the Swiss Guard numbers 135 members, an increase from 110 in 2015, and recruits must meet strict requirements, including being unmarried Swiss Catholic males aged 19-30 with a high school degree and basic military training.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Swiss Guard, Pontifical Swiss Guard, Papal Swiss Guard |
| Year of Formation | 1506 |
| Founder | Pope Julius II |
| Purpose | Protect the Pope and the Apostolic Palace |
| Motto | Fiercely and Faithfully |
| Number of Members | 135 (as of 2024) |
| Minimum Height Requirement | 5 feet 8.5 inches (1.74 meters) |
| Age Requirement | 19-30 years old |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Dress Uniform | Renaissance-era uniform with a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow; high plumed helmet; and traditional weapons such as the halberd |
| Training | Basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces |
| Working Hours | Average of 6 hours per day, with some days requiring up to 12 hours of service |
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What You'll Learn
The Swiss Guard
Over the centuries, the Swiss Guard has been disbanded and reinstated multiple times due to political and military events, such as the exile of Pope Pius VI in 1798 and the capture of Rome by the French in 1809. The unit was restricted to Vatican City in Rome after the defeat and abolition of the Papal States in 1870. The Swiss Guard's primary mission is to protect the Pope, and during periods when the papal throne is vacant, they guard the College of Cardinals.
As of 2024, the Swiss Guard had 135 members, an increase from 134 members in 2005. In preparation for the 2025 holy year, the Swiss Guard sought to expand its ranks by 25 members, bringing the total number to 135. This increase was intended to bolster security for the expected influx of millions of pilgrims visiting the Vatican during the holy year. The Swiss Guard is considered “the world's smallest army” and plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within Vatican City State.
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The Pontifical Swiss Guard
The Swiss Guard was established in 1506 under Pope Julius II and has been in operation for over 500 years. The unit was formed as the Pope's personal bodyguard and has protected the Pope and his residence since its founding. The Guard's security mission extends to the Pope's apostolic travels, the pontifical palace of Castel Gandolfo, and the College of Cardinals when the papal throne is vacant. The Swiss Guard is also responsible for the overall security and law enforcement of Vatican City.
The Swiss Guard is highly selective in its recruitment. Candidates must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between the ages of 19 and 30, with a minimum height requirement of 5 feet 8.5 inches (1.74 meters). Recruits must have completed basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces and hold a high school degree or professional diploma. They must also be of irreproachable reputation and health. In addition, recruits are required to sign up for a minimum of 26 months of service.
The Swiss Guard is known for its distinctive Renaissance-era dress uniform, which includes a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow; a high plumed helmet; and traditional weapons such as the halberd. The uniform was designed by Jules Repond, who served as commander of the guard between 1910 and 1921. The design is inspired by the historical Swiss costume of the 16th century and is reflective of the colours of the Medici family. While performing their protective duties, the guardsmen wear functional attire and carry modern firearms, but they don the traditional uniforms on ceremonial occasions.
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The Papal Army
In the 16th century, the Papal Army was deployed in the Italian War of 1551-1559, fought to prevent growing Spanish dominance in Italy. However, by the 1790s, the French Revolutionary Army had invaded Italy and repeatedly slaughtered the Pope's forces. The French occupied Rome in 1799, and the subsequent Austrian occupations of Italy during the 19th century further diminished the influence of the Papal States. The Papal Army was eventually disbanded in 1870 when the Royal Italian Army conquered Rome, ending the Papal States and its army.
Following the defeat and abolition of the Papal States, four small Papal units were retained: the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the Noble Guard, the Palatine Guard, and the Papal Gendarmerie Corps. These units were restricted to the Vatican in Rome and did not maintain independent armed forces. The Palatine Guard, formed in 1850, saw active service during the resistance to the occupation of Rome by Italian government troops in 1870. It continued to serve as a de facto Vatican military unit until 1970, when it was abolished by Pope Paul VI.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, also known as the Swiss Guard, is the most well-known of these remaining units. Established in 1506, it serves as the Pope's personal bodyguard and protective security unit within the Vatican City State. The Swiss Guard is considered an elite military unit with highly selective recruitment criteria. Candidates must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between 19 and 30 years of age, with a minimum height requirement of 174 cm (5 ft 8.5 inches). They must have completed basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces and hold at least a high school degree. The Swiss Guard is easily recognised by its Renaissance-era dress uniform, consisting of a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow, along with a high plumed helmet and traditional weapons.
In summary, the Papal Army historically served the Italian Papal States from the 8th century until its disbandment in 1870. It was a sizeable force that employed volunteers, mercenaries, and later, mercenaries known as condottieri. Following the defeat of the Papal States, a few small units were retained, including the Swiss Guard, which continues to serve as the Pope's protective security unit.
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The Pope's Army
The Swiss Guard was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, who sought to create a permanent contingent of Swiss soldiers under his direct control. Swiss mercenaries were renowned throughout Europe for their loyalty, discipline, and combat skills, and had already been employed by various rulers, including those in France and Spain. The Swiss Guard's origins, however, can be traced back to the late 14th and 15th centuries when Swiss soldiers began serving the Papal States.
Over the centuries, the Swiss Guard has undergone several reorganisations and changes in structure. In 1914, the unit was restructured to include a commandant, ranking officers, lesser officers, a chaplain, and halberdiers. The Swiss Guard's numbers have also fluctuated; in 1998, the force consisted of 110 guards, which increased to 135 in 2018. As of 2024, the Swiss Guard maintained a force of 135 members, with plans to increase this number to 160 ahead of the 2025 holy year.
Recruitment into the Swiss Guard is highly selective and exclusive to unmarried Swiss Catholic males between the ages of 19 and 30. Recruits must possess a high school degree or professional diploma, stand at a minimum height of 5 feet 8.5 inches (1.74 meters), and have completed basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces. The Swiss Guard's distinctive Renaissance-era dress uniform, featuring a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow, and a high plumed helmet, is among the oldest in continuous use.
The primary mission of the Swiss Guard is to protect the Pope, and they have a long history of self-sacrifice and bravery in fulfilling this duty. During the Sack of Rome in 1527, 147 guards died defending Pope Clement VII, and during World War II, they prepared to defend the Pope against German forces, although an attack on the Vatican never materialised. In addition to their protective duties, the Swiss Guard also performs ceremonial functions, donning their traditional uniforms and carrying halberds and swords.
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The Palatine Guard
The Second World War was a high point in the history of the Palatine Guard. In September 1939, the corps numbered 500 men, but the German occupation of Rome in 1943 required the recruitment of additional personnel. By the liberation of Rome in June 1944, the corps had grown to 2,000 men. During this period, the Palatine Guard was responsible for protecting Vatican City, various Vatican properties in Rome, and the Pope's summer villa at Castel Gandolfo. The guardsmen patrolled the walls, gardens, and courtyards of Vatican City and stood guard at the entrances to papal buildings.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, the Catholic Guard force, also known as the Swiss Guard, is expected to have 135 members.
The Swiss Guards are a trained military force that protects the Pope and his residence. They are among the oldest military units in continuous operation and are often called "the world's smallest army".
Candidates must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between 19 and 30 years of age, at least 5 feet 7 inches tall, and must have completed basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces. They must also hold a high school degree or professional diploma.
The Swiss Guard is known for its Renaissance-era dress uniform, which includes a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow, a high plumed helmet, and traditional weapons such as the halberd. For ceremonial occasions, they wear blue doublets and blue berets.
The Swiss Guard was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II to serve as the Pope's personal bodyguard. The unit has a long history of bravery and self-sacrifice, most notably during the Sack of Rome in 1527 when many guards died defending Pope Clement VII.
