Vatican City, Sep 1, 2021 / 13:00 pm
The Pontifical Swiss Guard’s new chaplain is the Swiss Benedictine Fr. Kolumban Reichlin, who completed part of his studies at Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Reichlin, 50, was appointed chaplain by Pope Francis on Sept. 1 and will take up his new position in October.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II in 1506 and is charged with serving and protecting the pope.
Members of the world’s smallest but oldest standing army -- known for its colorful striped Renaissance-era uniforms -- are responsible for Vatican security together with the Vatican gendarmes.