The Pope's mysterious army | DW Documentary

Key Concepts:

• Swiss Guard: The Vatican's army responsible for the Pope's security.
• Oath of Loyalty: A solemn promise to defend the Pope, even at the cost of one's life.
• Tradition: Over 500-year-old history of Swiss soldiers protecting the Pope.
• Recruitment Criteria: Specific requirements for joining the Swiss Guard (Swiss citizen, Catholic, unmarried, height, military service).
• Uniform: Iconic Renaissance-era attire, handmade and custom-fitted.
• Training: Military and close combat training provided by the Swiss Army.
• Close Protection: Techniques for safeguarding the Pope from potential threats.
• Vatican Security: Multi-layered security involving Italian police, jeandarm, and the Swiss Guard.
• Halberd: Traditional weapon of the Swiss Guard, used for various combat functions.
• Blacksmithing: Traditional forging of armor and weapons by an Austrian family.

1. Recruitment and Commitment

• The Vatican recruits around 30 new Swiss Guards annually from Switzerland.
• Recruits must meet specific criteria: Swiss citizenship, practicing Roman Catholic faith, unmarried, over 1.74m tall, and completion of Swiss military service.
• Lao, a 20-year-old from Freeberg, is highlighted as a new recruit fulfilling a childhood dream.
• He signs a letter of commitment, declaring his willingness to defend the Pope, even to the point of giving his life.
• Lao's father was also a Swiss Guard, influencing his decision.
• New recruits sign up for 26 months of service.

2. Life Inside the Vatican

• New recruits live in sparse barracks within the Vatican.
• They undergo strict discipline and learn the rules of the Vatican.
• The Vatican is described as a closed universe governed by age-old rules.
• Swiss Guards have limited access to the outside world, with their regular hangout being a bar near the Vatican walls.
• They are expected to uphold the values of the Pope and the Catholic Church at all times.
• They earn around €1,500 a month, which is considered a low wage compared to Switzerland, emphasizing their commitment to service over financial gain.
• Privileges include access to the Vatican Gardens.

3. Uniform and Tradition

• The Swiss Guard's uniform is a legacy of the Italian Renaissance, consisting of 154 pieces of wool assembled by hand.
• It takes 39 hours to sew a uniform.
• The uniform represents the Holy Father and the church.

4. Training and Security

• The Swiss Confederation covers half the cost of military training for the Vatican Swiss Guard.
• Training includes close combat techniques with the Swiss police special forces.
• The main danger is considered to be an unbalanced person attempting to harm the Pope.
• Renee, a Corporal, is highlighted as part of the elite providing close protection for Pope Francis.
• He is equipped with handcuffs, tear gas, and a semi-automatic pistol.
• The Vatican is on high alert during major events like Easter Mass, with Swiss Guards patrolling rooftops and Italian jeandarm controlling access.
• The Swiss Guard tightened its security protocol after the 1981 assassination attempt on John Paul II.

5. International Travel and Protection

• The Swiss Guard officers are responsible for organizing the Pope's international trips, including those to high-risk countries.
• Marco, a team leader, is shown inspecting the site before the Pope's arrival in Bahrain.
• The Pope's diplomatic journeys to Muslim countries are essential for pleading the cause of isolated Christian communities.

6. Oath Ceremony and Sacrifice

• New recruits swear an oath on May 6th, the anniversary of the massacre during the Sack of Rome.
• They dawn 15 kg of steel armor for the occasion.
• The oath signifies a lifelong commitment to the Pope.
• Recruits are trained to respond to terrorist attacks within the Vatican.
• Lao and Gregoire express their willingness to sacrifice themselves to protect the Holy Father.
• They acknowledge the difficulty of killing in the name of God but believe it may be necessary to protect the Pope.

7. Weapons and Armor

• The armory contains swords, helmets, and breastplates, some dating back to the 16th century.
• A breastplate is estimated to be worth around €15,000.
• The Vatican sources its armor and weapons from a family of blacksmiths in Austria, who use traditional medieval techniques.
• The Halberd, the iconic weapon, has multiple functions: ax for hitting, hook for pulling, and point for stabbing.

8. Sentry Duty

• Recruits undergo sentry exercises, standing still and silent for one hour.
• This tests their endurance and self-control.
• Sentry duty is an important part of the job, with guards spending up to 4 hours a day guarding the entrances to the Vatican.

9. Personal Lives and Faith

• Swiss Guards are not required to take a vow of chastity.
• They are allowed to marry after 5 years of service.
• Mark has a girlfriend in Switzerland and had to convince her to stay with him when he extended his service.
• The guards practice their religion regularly, which is a habit they develop after joining.

10. Conclusion

The Swiss Guard is a unique army steeped in tradition, faith, and unwavering loyalty to the Pope. Recruits undergo rigorous training and commit to a life of service, even at the cost of their own lives. While seemingly out of sync with the modern world, they play a crucial role in protecting the Pope and upholding the values of the Catholic Church. The documentary highlights the personal sacrifices, deep faith, and rigorous training that define the lives of these young men who serve as the Vatican's protectors.