Why do the Vatican Papal Guards have to be Swiss?

Question

I saw in my local newspaper today that in order to become a security guard at the Vatican, you have to be Swiss. Why is that? Is it because of Switzerland's neutrality?

Answer 1

Check out this site...it tell all about the Vatican guards.

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/swiss_...

Answer 2

Yes, I would imagine it's Switzerland's neutrality. Gotta love 'em!

Answer 3

The Swiss Guard celebrated their 500th anniversary of protecting the pope in 2006.

In 1506, Pope Julius II invited the Helvetian (Swiss) soldiers to Rome because they were renowned for their courage, noble sentiments and loyalty. Here is a history of the Vatican Swiss Guard: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/swiss_...

For more information, see: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/swiss_...

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

Because of a tradition that goes back to the middle ages when it was Swiss mercenaries that served as the Pope's bodyguards.