Swiss Guards

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Swiss Guards and faithful pilgrims holding olive branches line the processional route in St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday celebrations, April 13, 2025. The ancient Vatican obelisk stands at the center of the square as clergy process toward the basilica.

Vatican confirms investigation into alleged antisemitic act of Swiss Guard

The Pontifical Swiss Guard this week opened an internal investigation to clarify an alleged act of antisemitism committed by one... Read more

Swiss Guards model the new military dress uniform in a courtyard of the Swiss Guards’ Vatican barracks during an Oct. 2, 2025, presentation. The uniform, an updated version of a historic uniform used from the late 1800s to 1976, will be used at important events.

Swiss Guards, protectors of the pope, don new uniforms

Oct 3, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

The 135 Swiss Guards will don the new uniforms for the first time at a dinner the night before the... Read more

New Swiss Guards prepare to be sworn in on May 6, 2024, at the Vatican.

Pope Francis welcomes Vatican’s new Swiss Guard recruits

Pope Francis received the Vatican’s Swiss Guard Corps on the occasion of the swearing-in of the new guards on May... Read more

Swiss Guard cadets prepare their armor in the guards' barracks at the Vatican on April 30, 2024.

An afternoon with the new Swiss Guards: Preparing for a mission of faith and service 

May 5, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

When the newest Swiss Guards are sworn in May 6, they will pledge to “faithfully, loyally, and honorably” serve the... Read more

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