Why vatican guards are swiss

Each recruit is required to complete basic military training in Switzerland. This will be followed by a five-week induction training course in Rome. After this first training period Swiss soldiers are called Halberdiers.

This title derives from the primary weapons of halberds that Swiss mercenaries used in the 14th and 15th century. When training is complete, Halberdiers are sworn in and they and their families are invited to a private audience with the Pope. The Swiss Guards along with the Pontifical Gendarmerie are responsible for safeguarding the Vatican and protecting the Pope. 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. Following the Holy See's implementation of new COVID measures, three Swiss guards have departed on a "voluntary" basis, a spokesperson for the corps said, according to the paper.

Three other recruits, hitherto unvaccinated, had decided to get a shot but were temporarily suspended until they were fully inoculated, the spokesperson said. A spokesperson for the Swiss Guards did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Why Swiss? Swiss guards today In the contingent was made bigger, from guards to to meet requests.

Your contribution for a great mission: support us in bringing the Pope's words into every home. Topics Vatican Switzerland Swiss Guard anniversary. This papal land ownership was lost in the unification of Italy, with the exception of the city of Rome.

Today, Vatican City is a sovereign city state. The tradition of a personal guard for the head of state, the pope, is preserved.