Swiss Guard In Vatican Editorial Photo

Guardia Svizzere Guardia Svizzere is the name given to the body guard responsible since January 22, 1506 for the Pope`s safety. Today it is also the armed forces of the Vatican City. It is the only guard in the world in which the flag is changed with each new head of state, because it contains the personal emblem of the Pope. May 6 is the date of admission of new guards. These are sworn before the Pope and take the oath with their right hand raised and the three fingers of the middle open, remembering the Holy Trinity Christianity.nIt is the only group of private soldiers that Swiss law accepts. Of the body of the Swiss Guard, only men of robust and rude physical constitution, with a minimum of 1.74m high, Catholics, with a professional diploma or completed secondary education, aged between 18 and 30 years, and not married the officers, sergeants and officers can be married. They must have already done military training of the Swiss army, have no criminal record and be of undisputed social status. Two years, possibly renewable up to a maximum of 20, are the maximum commitment time of a member of the Swiss Guard. nThe curious uniform of the Swiss Guard is a spectacle apart. With its satin mesh in royal blue, gold-yellow and blood-red, it is strange that a soldier is dressed in such colorful clothes. The costume design is attributed to Michelangelo and can be seen both in the Vatican and in the papal castle of Avignon.