The annual swearing-in ceremony takes place on the anniversary of the 1527 sack of Rome by Emperor Charles V, when 147 guards were killed while protecting Pope Clement VII.
It underlines the seriousness of the profession. They may be dressed in folklore for ceremonial services, but during the pope’s public appearance the guards are indeed responsible for his personal safety. They then exchange the halberds for a 9mm GLOCK 19 Gen4 pistol, taser and pepper spray.
In addition to their mandatory military service, the cadets receive training in self-defense and firearms use from the local police in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in Switzerland. After being sworn in, they remain employed for at least two years. To become a guardsman, you must be a Swiss citizen, Catholic, unmarried, male and at least 5 feet 7 inches tall. It won’t make you rich. A guard earns approximately 1,400 euros per month plus room and board.
Pope’s safety remains a concern
There were a number of incidents surrounding Pope Francis’ personal safety in the past month.
On April 10, just before the general audience on Wednesday, a man was arrested near St. Peter’s Square in possession of three 20 cm knives. It turned out to be a fugitive American who was called ‘extremely violent’ based on convictions for theft and kidnapping.
On May 5, a priest and a man from the Czech Republic were arrested in St. Peter’s Square, just hours before the Pope’s Regina Caeli speech. They were in possession of a bag containing an air pistol, two knives, a box cutter and a screwdriver.
Just last year, a man drove his car through security checkpoints into the San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. The Swiss Guard stopped the car by puncturing the front tires and were then able to arrest the man.
Sources: Matthew Santucci/CNA (English), adaptation and translation Kerknet – Catholic (German) – Catholic Herald (English) – Catholic Herald (English)
