Q: When I read about the pope or the Vatican, there is often a reference to the Swiss Guard. Who are they? Are they actually Swiss? How long have they been guarding the pope?
—Virginia Manfre, Grayson
A: The Swiss Guard provides security for the pope and at the Vatican. They must be Catholic, between 19 and 30 years old, from Switzerland, single (unless they are officers), meet a height requirement and must be morally and ethically upstanding, Robert Royal, author of "The Pope's Army: Five Hundred Years of the Papal Swiss Guard," told the National Catholic Register. Although they often appear in ceremonial Renaissance uniforms with obsolete weapons, they all have served in the Swiss military, "know how to handle standard issue Swiss Army weapons" and are trained in "modern security techniques," Royal said in the article. The Swiss Guard was created by Pope Julius II in 1506, suffered severe losses protecting Pope Clement VII during the sack of Rome in 1527 and fought in other battles, but their duties have evolved. The National Catholic Register wrote: "Today, they have three main areas of responsibility: to bring order and security to Vatican ceremonies, to control access to the Vatican, and to provide protection within the apostolic palace when the pope appears publicly and during papal trips." Members of the Swiss Guard often are dressed in suits when the pope makes public appearances and plainclothes Swiss Guards helped stop a man who jumped a barricade and tried to climb on Pope Benedict XVI's vehicle in 2007.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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