What are the principal tasks of the Swiss Guard?
First we have to guard all four of the entrances to the Vatican. Then we have to control the entrances to the Apostolic Palace, which is where the Pope lives and resides, and where other important offices and living quarters are, such as that of the Secretary of State. Our third commitment is to the Pope’s personal security. This task is easier for us than it is for other security guards, because we are responsible for his security only when he is inside the Vatican, not when he is on his journeys. When that happens, it is always the host State which takes responsibility, as with any other head of state or government. We also have to keep order when the Pope appears in public or when he is giving a general audience. Finally, we serve as guard of honour whenever an ambassador or head of state or government is received by His Holiness.Could you describe a day in the life of a Swiss Guard? We have three-day shifts: two days of service in various places around the Vatican, and then a third
