The Swiss Guard, also known as the Pontifical Swiss Guard, is an elite military unit that has guarded the Vatican since the 16th century. 

According to the Vatican, Pope Julius II founded the Swiss Guard in 1506 to protect the pope and his residence, as many valued the Swiss military and mercenary forces for their loyalty, discipline and combat skills. Their duties include accompanying the pope on trips, guarding access to Vatican City and protecting the College of Cardinals during papal transitions, including the conclave. Often called the world’s smallest army, their motto translates to “fiercely and faithfully.” Here are five things to know about one of the world’s oldest continually operating military units.

The guard comprises of 135 officers and troops (raised from 110 in 2015). According to the unit’s official website, candidates must be practicing Catholics, Swiss citizens, male, single (marriage may be allowed if the guard is 25 or older, has served five years and commits to serving three or more years), between 19 and 30 years old and at least 5 feet, 8 inches tall. They must pass medical and psycho-physical tests, have an “impeccable reputation,” complete Swiss army recruit school and commit to at least 26 months of service.

Since 2016, basic training for the Swiss Guard has been two months. According to the guard, the first month includes training in firefighting, shooting, self-defense, life-saving measures and more. The second month focuses on ceremonial exercises, learning about the Vatican and basic Italian.

The Swiss Guard’s iconic ceremonial velvet “Gala Uniform” dates to the early 1900s, according to the guard’s website, and features vibrant blue, red and yellow stripes, paying homage to the Medici family. Guards wear Basque caps inspired by Raphael’s frescoes, white collars, white gloves for public order duties and black helmets during papal ceremonies. Additionally, 17th-century armor, including a silver helmet with colored feathers signifying rank, is worn during special occasions, such as Easter, Christmas and swearing-in ceremonies. 

For training and night duties, they wear blue, officers wear black to formal events, and drummers don yellow and black uniforms with matching feathered helmets. A modern training uniform is also issued.

On May 6, 1527, during the Sack of Rome, 147 Swiss Guards died protecting Pope Clement VII from an attack by 20,000 Holy Roman Empire troops, according to the Swiss National Museum. The pope and 42 guards escaped through a secret passage but were eventually captured. After six months, the pope was released, but all surviving guards were killed. Pope Paul III, Clement’s successor, reestablished the guard in 1548.

The Swiss Guard holds a ceremony for new recruits every May 6 to commemorate the Sack of Rome’s fallen guards. According to the Vatican, the oath states: “I swear that I will faithfully, loyally and honorably serve the Supreme Pontiff and his legitimate successors, and dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing, if necessary, my life to defend them.”  

In 2025, the Vatican postponed the ceremony because of Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025.