Dedication to the Pope: Learn more about the Guard protecting the Supreme Pontiff

While considered the smallest army in the world and wearing costumes that look more like costumes than battle uniforms, the Pope's guard is one of the most prepared and well-equipped in the world. It has officially existed since January 22, 1506, when it was founded by Pope Julius II with members of the Swiss Guard, who at the time were regarded as one of the best armies in the world.

The situations in which she was most hard-pressed, including the protection of one of the Holy Fathers in history against the strength of the Roman Empire, are considered precursors of today's most highly regarded special elite forces. It was a small step, but it showed how much should be prepared for official protection groups, whether presidential or large international public figures.

The tradition is upheld by the Vatican, as currently only Swiss men can join the team protecting the Pope. In addition, the weapons and protection characteristics that appear to date from the 16th century when the group emerged also remain. But if there is a sense in saying that "appearances can be deceiving, " surely it is present in the concept of the pontiff's army.

But how is the papal protector team formed? What are the requirements, and how is the preparation of the guards? What is behind the elite special force that makes the top leader of the Catholic Church secure? Check out the following items for more details about the Pope's Guard.

A well prepared army

Of course, not anyone can join the security team of the great Catholic leader. Soldiers must meet some very clear minimum requirements: being Swiss; be at most 30 years old; measure over 1.72 meters; have served the Swiss military with good merit; have a degree and be Catholic (logically). In addition, one of the requirements is for the guards to be single; however, if you are over 25, with a record of at least 3 years in the service of the Pope's security and committing to a further 3 years with an established minimum rate, you are allowed to marry. The minimum time to fulfill the Pope's custody is 2 years.

Of course, these are the basic requirements, as the Vatican's selection of guards takes much more into account when approving their soldiers. Physical fitness, high level of education and military ability and extreme dedication are some of the starting points to note.

The selected guards have 4 initial duties: to accompany the Pope on his travels; protect the College of Cardinals during the Pope's travels; guard the Vatican entrances and perform other services of honor and security. To this end, skilled soldiers undergo in-depth training in crowd containment, VIP protection, lethal and non-lethal weapon handling, surveillance and other tactical services required by the function.

Equipment across the centuries

The Pope's Guard costumes are the most complex military equipment in the world today, when combined with ceremonial armor and forming the traditional "Gala Uniform" used in rituals and performances at the Vatican. For colder and rainier months, there is a special clothing that characterizes a blanket, and not all members of the Catholic Church's armed forces end up wearing formal clothes. Many are in plain clothes, usually dressed in tailored suits.

Papal Guard weaponry ranges from centuries-old spears and swords to the latest machine guns and automatic pistols. And the training of soldiers is intended to use all of these equipment for both official ceremonies and possible combat. To keep up, the Pontiff's security team has the support of the Swiss army countrymen. The age range of the materials used is undoubtedly one of the most curious points of the Pope's protection group.

The fact is that even being attentive and prepared with all the new technologies, which is extremely necessary, the Swiss Guard does not abandon any equipment because it is outdated or outdated. The centuries-old melee and firearms stand in contrast to today's modern military items, but they are always there, making their presence felt.

Adoption of new post-attack equipment

The .32 caliber pistol model Dreyse 1907 (left) and the semi-automatic Sig P220

As a matter of curiosity, after the attack that hit and nearly killed Pope John Paul II in 1982, there was a change in the weaponry used by the pontiffs' security. For more than eight decades, the guards used the horrible old-fashioned .32 caliber .32 Dreyse model pistols. After that, the standard weapon used by the soldiers became the Sig P220 semi-automatic. In addition to this pistol model, there was a reinforcement in armament with equally modern machine guns and rifles.

The blue line of Vatican

In addition to the Swiss Guard, who is the main security guard, there is another team that assists the Pope with security services at apparitions, especially in and around St. Peter's Square. It is the so-called Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps, a kind of local police that helps in organizing and restraining the public. In addition, on international travels by the Supreme Pontiff, also in conjunction with the Swiss Guard, the police contact the special forces of the places where the Pope will transit to draw up security plans for countless contingent situations.

For comparison, if the Vatican's "Blue Line" is the police, the Swiss Guard is a kind of Pope's Secret Service, but in much smaller proportions. Among the duties of the Gendrama Corps is the containment of attacks and work against explosives.

History: Dedication and work put to the test

On May 6, 1527, the first major challenge of the Swiss Guard took place, which proved the strength and capability of the Pope's armed forces. This was during an attempt to invade the Roman Empire, at the behest of Emperor Charles V, to St. Peter's Basilica, when Pope Clement VII was saved thanks to the great work and the surrender of the soldiers in combat. Almost 150 of the then 189 guards at their disposal gave their lives for the Supreme Pontiff to be saved.

The Holy Father spent about eight days outside the cathedral, after escaping through a secret passage to Castel Sant'Angelo. Undoubtedly, this is a feat that has inspired the entire history of the Pope's Guard and should still serve as an example for younger soldiers.