Why are the Swiss guard chosen to protect the Pope?
The Swiss Guard has been protecting the pope since the early 1500’s. They were mercenaries who obtained a great reputation for dedication and ability to accomplish great missions. There is a statue in Lucerne, Switzerland of a dying lion that is a memorial to a great battle of the Swiss mercenaries, one that was a total loss for them, yet upheld their legendary status. In order to be a Swiss guard, there are many requirements, such as being a male, Swiss citizenship, at least 19, no older than 30 and at least 5’9. They are highly trained, due to the 1981 assasination attempt on Pope John Paul II, in hand to hand and weapons. The uniforms are, as another stated, ceremonial. Switzerland is my favorite country. I have travelled there several times and enjoy the people. The languages are German, Italian, French and English. You can get away with English almost everywhere in Switzerland.
