Becoming a Swiss Guard
Never judge a book by its cover. The Pontifical Swiss Guard may be a small military unit, but it has its rules, difficulties and duties.
Its foundation dates back to 1506, and since then many things changed. Still, becoming a Swiss Guard requires courage and willpower.
Requisites for the enrollment
Serving as a Swiss Guard is an honor, but not everyone can do it.
Firstly, only men between 19 and 30 years of age can join the Guard. Then, all recruits must face strict requirements such as being a practicing Catholic, being in good health and having an impeccable reputation.
They must serve for 26 months and can not marry until the age of 25, after 3 years of service.
Most importantly, recruits must be Swiss citizens!
Training course
Before joining the Guard, all recruits must attend a two months long training course.
During the first month they stay in Isone (CH), for an intensive education together with the canton police. They study psychology, law, fire prevention, first aid, shooting and self-defense.
During the second month they move to Rome. They train inside the Vatican State, in the “Swiss district”. It is important for them to memorize all the details about places and people inside the Vatican. Moreover, they practice with military salute, marching, soldiers’ formation and the halberd.
Oath
Every year on May 6th, the anniversary of the Sack of Rome, new recruits swear in the San Damaso Courtyard. The chaplain reads the oath, which they will pronounce in their native tongue (German, Italian or French).
When called, each recruit gets close to the Pontifical Swiss Guards’ flag. He grabs the banner with the left hand and raises the right hand with the symbol of the Holy trinity.
I, [name], swear to diligently and faithfully abide by all that has just been read out to me, so help me God and his Saints.
Duties
After the oath, all recruits can start serving as Swiss Guards.
Their service includes many duties, not just an honor guard. They protect the Pope and his residence and control all the official entrances of Vatican City State.
But it’s not all: they follow the Holy Father during his journeys and during the Sede Vacante they protect the College of Cardinals.
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