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Swiss Guards: Serve & Protect
The most powerful weapon of the Swiss Guard
Before beginning the training regimen to become Pontifical Swiss Guards, potential recruits make a come-and-see visit to the Vatican. Leading this particular group was Alabardiere Nico Kaufmann, who guided them through the week’s activities.
“This morning, they were participating in a general audience. The potential recruits were able to witness how the Holy Father was going through Saint Peter's Square,” Nico said.
The guards’ goal is to provide them with a closer look at what would become their duties and responsibilities.
“Two words in order to summarize the duty of a pontifical Swiss Guard: loyal and brave,” Nico reminded. “We're here to serve Francis or his successors as well. And naturally we are here, with utmost fidelity as well, if need arises, to protect him.”
Corporal Eliah Cinotti gave EWTN insight to the men who protect the Holy Father. “For us, Swiss Guards, the protection of the Holy Father is our main mission, number one. Therefore, it means that when the Pope is in movement, those in suits and ties around him in addition to the gendarmerie, are also the Pontifical Swiss Guard.”
Anticipating danger and neutralizing threats are some of the key responsibilities in protecting the Holy Father.
Every time Pope Francis attends public events and celebrates holy Masses, whether that be abroad on Apostolic Trips or at home in Vatican City, he puts his personal safety on the line.
Eliah continued to explain, “When we go abroad especially on apostolic journeys we also go there to give support in close protection of the Holy Father. For us, it is a very special moment, but it's also a moment where the level of attention is at its highest because when we go abroad, we aren’t on our home turf.”
Pope Francis’ desire to travel to the periphery can create many authentically beautiful but challenging moments for a security task force. Unexpected and intense situations can arise without warning. Nearly catastrophic moments and developments have at times made headlines with Pope Francis and other recent pontiffs.
In 2007 and 2008, attempts were made on Pope Benedict XVI, the first at the Christmas Vigil Mass, and the second on the Pope mobile in St. Peter’s Square.
It goes back even further, in November 1970, there was an attempted stabbing on Pope St. Paul VI’s life at the airport in Manila, Philippines.
And in perhaps the most infamous moment, on May 13th, 1981, Pope St. John Paul II was shot four times in St. Peter’s Square while riding in the Pope mobile.
Alabardiere Gianluca Andreato shared, “We have vowed, if it should be achieved, to give our lives for the Holy Father. And we stand behind this vow. That is what connects us all most. This oath to be able to stand on May 6th and to be able to swear not only in front of my biological family, but also in front of my guard family. That is serious.”
Leading up to the swearing-in ceremony, new recruits complete the Security Test to check their preparedness.
In this part of the examination, they practice with tasers to neutralize an assailant. Practicing safety is also of the utmost concern to avoid harming innocent tourists and pilgrims.
Adapted by Jacob Stein
