The Pope's mysterious army | DW Documentary

Summary by Krater

This video follows a group of young Swiss Guard recruits as they leave Switzerland, undergo intensive training in Rome, and take up service guarding the Pope.

From the video

Answers: What is it like to be a Swiss Guard in the Vatican?

• Swiss Guard training and life
• Vatican security and traditions
• Papal protection services
• Military service in Vatican City

Exercises

• Push-ups · bodyweight
• Crunches · bodyweight

What it concludes

• The Swiss Guard form an army of 135 men who take an oath to lay down their lives for the Pope.
• Swiss Guards serve a minimum two-year service commitment.
• Recruits undergo intense training in close combat, weapons handling, and tactical defense to protect the Pope.
• Swiss Guards are given unique privileges including access to Vatican gardens and close proximity to the Pope.