Swiss Guards

The Latest

Pope Francis with new Swiss Guard recruits in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall on May 6, 2022.

Pope Francis encourages new Swiss Guard recruits ‘to grow as Christians’

May 6, 2022

By CNA Staff

Thirty-six new recruits will be sworn in today. Read more

Members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican.

3 Swiss Guards resign over Vatican vaccine mandate

Oct 5, 2021

By Courtney Mares

All 135 guards were required to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Read more

The Swiss Guard swearing in ceremony at the Vatican on May 6, 2019.

Will the Swiss Guard allow women soldiers in the future?

Sep 16, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Only men are currently eligible for the world’s smallest army. Read more

Fr. Kolumban Reichlin, O.S.B., the new chaplain of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

Pope Francis appoints Benedictine priest as Swiss Guard chaplain

Sep 1, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Fr. Kolumban Reichlin studied at Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. Read more

Swiss Guards at the ceremony in Vatican City's San Damaso Courtyard on May 6, 2021.

‘We are ready to give up our lives’: 34 new Swiss Guards take oath to protect the pope

May 6, 2021

By Courtney Mares

One new Swiss Guard said: “I’ve always wanted to serve God in a way, and I wanted to serve the... Read more

A Swiss Guard in Vatican City. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

New Swiss Guard recruits arrive in Rome to complete basic training

Jan 7, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Fifteen new Swiss Guard recruits have arrived in Rome to complete their basic training.  Read more

Members of the Swiss Guards, pictured May 6, 2015.

Swiss Guards receive funding boost for barracks renovation

Dec 16, 2020

The Swiss government agreed last week to give $5.66 million toward the renovation of the Swiss Guard barracks at the... Read more

The Swiss Guard swearing in ceremony at the Vatican on May 6, 2019.

Two more Swiss Guards test positive for the coronavirus

Oct 23, 2020

The Pontifical Swiss Guard announced Friday that two more of its members have tested positive for the coronavirus.   Read more

Swiss Guards in the Protomartyrs’ Square in Vatican City, May 6, 2015.

Seven more Vatican Swiss Guards test positive for the coronavirus

Oct 15, 2020

The Pontifical Swiss Guard announced Thursday that seven more of its members have tested positive for the coronavirus.   Read more

New Swiss Guards recruits are sworn in at a ceremony at the Vatican Oct. 4, 2020.

Four Vatican Swiss Guards test positive for the coronavirus

Oct 12, 2020

The Vatican confirmed Monday that four Swiss Guards have tested positive for the coronavirus.  Read more

A Swiss Guard at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on Oct. 25, 2017.

Be faithful to Christ, Pope Francis urges new Swiss Guard recruits

Oct 2, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis Friday met with the 38 new recruits of the Swiss Guard, who will be sworn-in Oct. 4, encouraging... Read more

Swiss Guards.

Pope Francis urges Swiss Guard to witness to the joy of faith

May 4, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis encouraged the Swiss Guard Saturday to use their work, and the encounters they have in and around Vatican... Read more

The Swiss Guards' new helmet is presented at a press conference.

On anniversary, Swiss Guards don new 3D-printed helmets

Jan 22, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

As the Swiss Guards celebrated their 513th anniversary Tuesday, they donned for the first time their new light-weight helmets, which... Read more

Swiss Guard swearing in ceremony at the Vatican on May 6, 2015.

Swiss Guards look to expand ranks as new members are sworn in

May 5, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

As 33 new Swiss Guards prepare to take an oath Sunday, the entire army is preparing to expand its ranks... Read more

Spaghetti and sword featured in the Vatican Cookbook.

How Swiss Guards are bringing the Vatican to your kitchen

Apr 28, 2016

A native of Zurich, Switzerland, David Geisser was a chef prodigy.  Read more

Swiss Guard swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican on May 6, 2015.

New Swiss Guards swear oath to defend, protect Pope Francis

May 6, 2015

By Elise Harris

On Wednesday 32 new Swiss Guards swore an oath of allegiance to Pope Francis, who told them their role is... Read more

Swearing in of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican on May 6, 2014.

Swiss Guard: We are ready to defend Pope from ISIS

Feb 24, 2015

The commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard says the group of soldiers charged with protecting the Pope is on high... Read more

Swearing in of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican on May 6, 2014.

New Swiss Guards swear oath to protect Pope Francis

May 6, 2014

By Elise Harris

Thirty young men joined the ranks of the Swiss Guards today, taking an oath of allegiance to Pope Francis and... Read more

Swiss Guards march through Vatican City.

Former Swiss Guard recalls John Paul II's love for humanity

Apr 27, 2014

By Adelaide Mena

The life of St. John Paul II was characterized by an intense love for both God and the human person,... Read more

The Pontifical Swiss Guard's annual commemoration of fallen guards on May 6, 2013.

Absorb Church's Catholic identity, Pope tells new Swiss Guards

May 6, 2013

On the day that it will swear in 35 new members and commemorate the fallen, the Swiss Guard was told... Read more