World's oldest and smallest army: Who is the Swiss Guard protecting the Pope's body

As videos and photos of the late Pope Francis circulate online, many have taken notice of the striking figures standing vigil beside his body — the Swiss Guard . Dressed in vibrant Renaissance-era uniforms, these men have long served as protectors of the papacy. Their presence beside Francis in death is a solemn continuation of a tradition that dates back more than 500 years.

Pope Francis’ funeral will be held at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony is expected to draw tens of thousands of mourners, including religious dignitaries and world leaders. President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he will attend the service.

As the world prepares to honor the late pontiff, public interest has turned to the Swiss Guard — the world’s smallest and oldest standing army , which has faithfully stood watch over every pope since the early 16th century.



The role and history of the Swiss Guard
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, often called simply the Swiss Guard, is a dedicated military unit made up exclusively of Swiss nationals. Their principal mission is to protect the pope, accompany him during public appearances, and provide security within Vatican City . They also guard the College of Cardinals during a papal conclave, according to the Holy See. The Swiss Guard reports directly to the Pope.

Their service to the papacy dates back to 1506, when Swiss mercenaries — renowned for their loyalty and discipline — first marched into Rome to serve under Pope Julius II . Ever since, this force has been stationed at the Vatican, earning the distinction of being the world’s smallest and oldest standing army.

Last week, journalists were given a rare look inside the guards’ barracks in the eastern part of Vatican City. There, new recruits were preparing for their annual swearing-in ceremony, which takes place each year on May 6 — the anniversary of the 1527 Sack of Rome, when 147 of 189 guards perished defending Pope Clement VII from mutinous troops loyal to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.



Tradition and training
As per reports, becoming a Swiss Guard is not easy. Recruits must be male, Swiss citizens, between 19 and 30 years old, at least 5 feet 8 inches (1.74 meters) tall, unmarried, devoutly Catholic, and possess “an unblemished character.” Before joining, they are required to complete Swiss military service and commit to at least two years in Vatican City. Guards may only marry after five years of service.

Further, while the halberd remains their symbolic weapon, the guards are also trained in modern security tactics and firearms, including the use of stun guns. The shift toward more advanced defense strategies intensified after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, when a plainclothes Swiss Guard rushed to the pontiff’s aid.

In addition to military drills, recruits must undergo psychological assessments to ensure they are capable of handling the unique pressures of life in the Vatican. “Many fail at that point, or perhaps they get hired and only last a few months when they realise the career is not for them,” said Colonel Christoph Graf, current commander of the Swiss Guard, in a statement to The Guardian.