Who guards the vatican in Rome... Is it the Swiss Special Forces or just Swiss soldiers?

Question

Who guards the vatican in Rome... Is it the Swiss Special Forces or just Swiss soldiers?

Answer 1

The Swiss guard has a merely decorative role....

Answer 2

The Cohors Helvetica (the Swiss Guards) currently numbers 107: the commander, five officers (including a chaplain) and 101 soldiers, all of Swiss birth. Until about 30 years ago, only citizens of the German-speaking cantons were eligible for admission to the company, but in recent years there has been a dearth of candidates and now French- and Italian-speaking nationals can also enrol. They must be Roman Catholics, unmarried, between 18 and 25 years of age, and they must also be good-looking. Officially they are supposed to be over 1.74 meters tall, but nowadays this regulation is not enforced too strictly. Their pay is not very high - the equivalent of just over 1,000 U.S. dollars per month, paid in Swiss francs - but they are given full board and lodging.

Every year on May 6, anniversary of the Sack of Rome, the Swiss Guards renew their vows of allegiance in the Courtyard of San Damaso inside the Vatican. In a colorful ceremony, new recruits kneel down, raise three fingers of their right hand to symbolize the Trinity and swear to serve the Pope "to the death".

Answer 3

The Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard as part of the Military of the Vatican City is a small force responsible for the security of the Apostolic Palace, the entrances to the Vatican City and the safety of the Pope.

Answer 4

Switzerland has nothing to do with it officially. Vatican City is a separate country within Rome. The "Swiss" Guard are volunteers from Switzerland who act as the life guards for the Pope. They are not just ceremonial. They often wear unobtrusive plainclothes during their official duties and are armed.

Answer 5

The Swiss Guard.  Michaelangelo designed their uniforms.  He was so g*y.