In addition to their security tasks, the Swiss Guards also carry out ceremonial duties, such as a guard of honor at receptions and audiences. The shortest contract given from the Vatican to a Swiss Guard is 25 months. By the end of their first year of service the soldiers will be ready to take up guard duty at the main gates of the Vatican. These are the guards you'll see helping tourists as you take your tour of Vatican City.
When a Swiss guard is standing in silence with his halberd in hand, he is on Honor Duty. This means he should not be approached. However, if he is standing with his hands folded and facing the crowds, he may be approached for questions or maybe even for a photo. However, most people associate them with their red, yellow and blue stripped ensemble. These colorful costumes are called Gala uniforms and are worn when guards take up more ceremonial duties.
This style of gala uniform has been worn by Swiss Guards since These eye-catching ensembles are tailor-made to fit each guard. Today there are Swiss Guards at the Vatican, recruited from a group of Swiss towns and villages that for centuries have provided soldiers for the popes.
But don't let the history and the beautiful Renaissance uniforms fool you. The Swiss Guard today is a modern force, with important duties within the Vatican -- from forming elaborate ceremonial pickets on special occasions and for distinguished visitors to fulfilling simple desk guard duty at entrances to Vatican City to protecting the pope on foreign travels.
And not just anyone can join: You must be Swiss, Catholic, male, tall at least 5 feet, 9 inches , have an "irreproachable" reputation and have served at least two years in the Swiss army. It is not an occupation for a lifetime, either. Most guards serve from two to three years before returning home to Switzerland. The tradition of a personal guard for the head of state, the pope, is preserved. This guard still consists of young Swiss - Catholic - men up to age Skip to main content Menu.
The outward appearance and the mandate of the traditional Swiss Guard have not changed over the years. By contrast, their training and equipment have been constantly updated to meet new challenges. The contingent was increased from to in in response to increased demand for their services.
The Swiss, together with the Pontifical Gendarmerie, are responsible for ensuring the safety of the Pope both within and outside the Vatican and for accompanying Pope Francis, who enjoys contact with people, on all his public engagements.
Nevertheless, the work of the Swiss Guard, who wear very a colourful uniform, is by no means simply that of being on show. In the event of an emergency, the halberd-bearers must make the right decisions to protect the Pope.
Swiss soldiers are considered invincible owing to their courage, noble intentions and loyalty. It comes as no surprise therefore that back in the 16th century the Pope entrusted Swiss mercenaries with his protection.
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