With their feathered helmets, ruffled collars and coloured, puffed-sleeve uniforms, the Vatican Swiss Guards are often likened by curious visitors to medieval court jesters. A Swiss Guards spokesperson declined to be interviewed “because we are all very busy concentrating on this mission”. View image in fullscreen The Swiss Guards hold their halberds as they maintain a constant vigil by the pope’s coffin. after newsletter promotionView image in fullscreen The Swiss Guards may wear 16th-century uniforms but they also carry 21st-century stun guns. The halberd is the guards’ traditional weapon, but the troops are trained to use small modern-day arms, including the recently introduced stun guns.
