The Pope is guarded by the Pontifical Swiss Guard, commonly known as the Swiss Guard. This elite corps of Swiss soldiers has been responsible for the safety of the Pope since its establishment in 1506 by Pope Julius II, making it one of the oldest military units in continuous operation
. The Swiss Guard serves as the personal escort to the pontiff, protects Vatican City, the Apostolic Palace, and the pontifical villa of Castel Gandolfo, and also safeguards the College of Cardinals during the sede vacante (the period between popes)
. They are recognized for their distinctive Renaissance-era uniforms featuring blue, red, and yellow stripes and traditional weapons like the halberd, though they also perform modern security duties with firearms and advanced tactical training
. To become a Swiss Guard, candidates must be unmarried Swiss Catholic men aged 19 to 30, at least 5 feet 8.5 inches tall, and have completed basic military training in Switzerland. They swear an oath of loyalty to the Pope in a ceremony held annually on May 6, commemorating the sacrifice of Swiss Guards in 1527
. In addition to ceremonial duties, the Swiss Guard undergoes rigorous training in areas such as counterterrorism, close-quarters combat, intelligence, and medical evacuation to effectively protect the Pope against modern threats
. In summary, the Pope is guarded by the Swiss Guard, an elite, highly trained military unit of Swiss Catholic men dedicated to his protection and the security of the Vatican
