The Swiss Guard
The "Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard" or "Swiss Guard" (Ger: Schweizergarde, Ital. Guardia Svizzera Pontificia, Lat. Pontificia Cohors Helvetica, or Cohors Pedestris Helvetiorum a Sacra Custodia Pontificis) is a small force responsible for the safety of the Pope since 1506, including the security of the Apostolic Palace and access to the entrances to the Vatican City. Its official language is Swiss German. It serves as the de facto, if not de jure, military of the Vatican City. As of 2003, it consists of 134 professional soldiers carrying on their 500 year old tradition with all the seriousness and élan of their predecessors.
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