Why is the pope guarded by Swiss soldiers?
Why is the pope guarded by Swiss soldiers?
Pope Julius II had admired the Swiss soldiers, who defended the king of France, and he requested a contingent of 200 to serve as his personal bodyguards and to defend his palaces.
Does the Swiss Guard still protect the pope?
The Swiss Guard, the elite and colourfully dressed force whose main mission is to protect the pope and the 108-acre Vatican City, currently stands at 110 members.
Are the Swiss Guards from Switzerland?
The last mercenary troops of Switzerland, the Pontifical Swiss guards, have a long-standing service to the Vatican. Alongside their Italian soldiers stand the Vatican’s Corps of Gendarmes, the Swiss soldiers in charge of protecting the Pope.
Who guards the pope in Rome?
Swiss Guards have protected popes for more than 500 years. Each year on 6 May the Vatican holds a pomp-filled ceremony to swear in new recruits into the Pontifical Swiss Guards, among the oldest standing armies in the world.
How much do Vatican Swiss guards get paid?
A recruit can expect to earn just over SFr1,500 ($942) a month – a seemingly paltry sum. However, Segmüller said the salary has to be seen alongside the other benefits of the job. “The guards pay no taxes or health insurance,” he said.
Does the Swiss Guard get paid?
Regular guardsmen (halberdiers) receive a tax-free salary of EUR 1,300 per month (as of 2015) plus extra pay for hours worked overtime. In addition, accommodation and board are provided. Members of the guard are eligible for pontifical decorations.
