In their color, which dates back to the Renaissance and their helmets decorated with feathers, the Swiss Guard members stood up to prepare during the funeral of Pope Francesco, in a scene that combined military discipline and historical symbolism.
At a majestic official funeral, the Vatican and thousands of mourners bid farewell to Pope Francesco, who died at the age of 88, after a stroke, where the Swiss Guard participated in a traditional and pivotal role, along with the Italian police units and the army, as part of an extensive security plan in the Italian capital, Rome and the Vatican city.
Who are the Swiss Guards Standing Watch Over Pope Francis Lying in State? For Over 500 years, swiss Soldiers have protected the Pope. Origeinly RCURIIDE for their lovey and bravery, toy’s swiss guard is Known for Its Discipline, Professionalism, and Unowvering Dedication .. pic.twitter.com/zdtwtgclum
– Embassy of switzerland in the usa (@swissmbassyusa) April 25, 2025
The Swiss Guard .. the smallest army in the world
The Vatican Swiss Guard is one of the oldest permanent military formations in the world, as its upbringing dates back to 1506 according to an order issued by Pope Julius II. His name has been associated with throughout the ages with courage and loyalty, especially during the “looting of Rome” by the soldiers of the Roman Emperor Charles V in 1527, when 147 out of 189 soldiers were killed in defense of Pope Clement VII. This event is evoked annually on May 6, during the department’s performance ceremony performed by the new soldiers joining the ranks of the Guard.
The Swiss Guard undertakes multiple tasks of a security and protocol, on top of which is to secure permanent protection of the Pope, whether at its headquarters inside the Vatican or during its external visits, as well as guarding the papal state entrances and accompanying the senior visiting personalities. They are also assigned a pivotal role during the “vacant chair” period, which follows the death of the Pope, as they protect the Cardinate Complex.
Despite their striking body with the historical dress that is inspired by the Renaissance period, the Guard elements are subject to modern military training, which includes dealing with firearms and anti -terrorism techniques, which have been given increasing importance since the attempt to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981.
In 2018, Pope Francesco decided to raise the number of guards from 110 to 135 soldiers, in preparation for the Catholic Jubilee celebrations, and to increase the readiness of security inside the Vatican.
The Guard is currently consisting of 135 elements, all of whom are the Swiss Catholic males, between the ages of 19 and 30, and they are required to be single and completed their military service in their country. These soldiers are stationed in vital points inside the Vatican, such as gates of the Apostolic Palace and St. Peter Square, and reside in custom barracks within the borders of the small country. Guard personnel are subject to comprehensive training that include physical fitness and psychological discipline, and their service is seen as an honorary medal from a national and religious point of view.
Their role in the funeral of Pope Francesco
During the Pope’s funeral ceremony, the Swiss Guard participated in securing the site and transporting the coffin. They carried their traditional spears (the Halbard), and they stopped guarding the body of the Pope when transferring it to the Cathedral of St. Peter, and then during the public presentation inside the basilica, where tens of thousands of believers flocked to throw the last outlook on the greatest ink.
They also participated in guarding the open coffin while passing by St. Peter’s Square, until it was placed in its place inside the 16th century cathedral. Two guardians were silently applied next to the body, in a scene that reflects prestige and discipline, and affirms the symbolism of their role.
Although they wear bright -colored traditional costume (red, yellow, and blue), which is inspired by the Renaissance, the guards receive training on the latest weapons, and they use modern tools, including pistols and electric shock weapons, which were recently introduced alongside the traditional “halter”.