New recruits must be unmarried Roman Catholic males with Swiss citizenship, between 19 and 30 years of age, and at least 5 feet 8 inches (1.74 metres) tall; they must have a professional diploma or high school degree and must complete basic training with the Swiss military.
How was the Swiss Guard formed?
Medieval tradition. The origins of the Swiss Guard date back over five hundred years. Late in the Middle Ages, it became a tradition to recruit Swiss mercenaries as special military units. The Swiss soldiers were famous for their military professionalism.
When and why was the Swiss Guard created?
The Pontifical Swiss Guard has its origins in the 15th century. Pope Sixtus IV (1471–1484) had already made an alliance with the Swiss Confederacy and built barracks in Via Pellegrino after foreseeing the possibility of recruiting Swiss mercenaries.
How long can you be a Swiss Guard?
How long do the Swiss Guards serve for? The Swiss Guard is a big commitment, but not for life! All Swiss Guards sign a mandatory 2-year contract of service to the pope, although this can be extended upon request.
How much does a Swiss Guard?
€1,500: This is the salary of a Swiss Guard, according to Guard commander Christoph Graf. The soldiers are also provided with free housing while Swiss Guards also get free schooling for their children at the Swiss school in Rome. The fees at this school range from €2,500 to €4,100 francs a year.
What are the requirements to be a Swiss Guard?
New recruits must be unmarried Roman Catholic males with Swiss citizenship, between 19 and 30 years of age, and at least 5 feet 8 inches (1.74 metres) tall; they must have a professional diploma or high school degree and must complete basic training with the Swiss military.
Can a Swiss Guard be married?
Firstly, Swiss Guards are called to celibacy, and can only marry if they become a corporal, of which there are only 10 in Vatican City.
What did the Swiss Guard do in 1527?
During the Sack of Rome on May 6, 1527, 147 Swiss Guards were killed defending Pope Clement VII, who managed to escape to the fortress of Castel Sant’ Angelo escorted by the remaining 22 guards. It is in remembrance of this occasion that new recruits are sworn in every year on May 6.
Who created the Swiss Guard?
Commandant Jules Repond designed the modern uniforms in 1914, drawing inspiration from Raphael’s frescoes, including The Mass at Bolsena. Founded in 1506, the Papal Swiss Guard is the Vatican’s military unit and is charged with protecting the pope and guarding the Apostolic Palace and the gates of Vatican City.
Are there female Swiss Guards?
Currently, only males are permitted to serve in the Swiss Guard. A Swiss organization is raising money to build the new housing center – also called a barracks. The organization signed an agreement with the Vatican’s Secretary of State on May 4.
Who created the Swiss Guard uniform?
Commandant Jules Repond
If you need further proof, the website of the Pontifical Swiss Guards attributes the current design of the uniform to Commandant Jules Repond (1910-1921).
Where are Swiss guards from?
In 1505 a Swiss bishop at the Vatican, Matthäus Schiner, suggested creating a permanent Swiss corps that would operate under the direct control of the pope. The Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II in 1506, with the first contingent of 150 soldiers arriving in Rome on 22 January of that year.
Why did France have Swiss Guards?
In France in 1471 King Louis XI began a long tradition with his ‘Hundred Swiss’, the first permanent unit in the service of a foreign ruler. The ‘Cent-suisses’ served as guards inside the royal palaces and were used primarily as a parade corps rather than for military purposes.
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