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. He has dreamed of becoming a Swiss Guard since first seeing one at a Wednesday morning papal audience at St Peter’s Square at the age of 12. View image in fullscreen Swiss Guards take a break between training sessions. On top of the military training, the recruits are put through intense psychological tests to ensure they have the mental capacity to adapt to life as a Swiss Guard. after newsletter promotionView image in fullscreen The Vatican Swiss Guards are inspected by their instructor during a rehearsal for the swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican.

Source: The Guardian May 05, 2024 15:55 UTC