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Who are the Swiss Guards at the Vatican?

In: Vatican City [Edit categories]

Answer:

They are mercenary soldiers of the Swiss Army on hire by the Vatican since 1506. They are an all Catholic, all volunteer and all Swiss force charged with the personal defense of the Pope and with the Vatican.

Contributor:

William

First answer by USCitizen. Last edit by William Howe. Contributor trust: 245 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 3 [recommend question].

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Relevant answers:

Why do the Swiss guard Vatican City?
They are an all volunteer Mercenary force of Swiss Catholic men charged with the defense of the Pope and the Vatican. Providing mercenaries was once a way to employ the young jobless men of a country.
Does the Swiss Guard protect the pope or the Vatican?
The Swiss Guard protects the pope. The Vatican has its own police force.
Who do the Swiss Guard guard?
The Pope.
Do you have to be Swiss to join the Swiss papal guard?
Not only must you be Swiss, but you must also have these qualities: You must be a Catholic, single male with active Swiss citizenship and have completed your basic training in the Swiss military with...
Why the Swiss Guard?
Switzerland exists since 1291 as coalition to defend and support the interests of the former occupied regions - its states (called cantons). Three of them made this agreement and others joined until...