This is the Swiss goalkeeper who accompanied the coffin of the Pope and will protect the flavor

The ceremony, a historical paradox in its phase, is designed, fixed in its traditions, which were actually filmed on satiety. To millimeter. On May 6, as every year, they divided their position in front of the Pope the new Swiss guard halls, and the army that protects the Pope and the Holy See for 519 years. but Francisco death This Monday led to the suspension of the celebration until the fall.

These days, we will see the uniform without rest. We have seen this morning accompanying the coffin from the Santa Marta Church to the Church of San Pedro. Eight guards are equipped with the concert suit they use to celebrate and black helmet on these occasions, Four on each side of the coffinThat endured the servants of Pope So. In Basilica, as they did in Santa Marta, many soldiers are watching transformations during these three days. “The Swiss Guard has a festive role, but they are not numbers to put it in some way, but their work is to protect the Pope,” explains Marina Fernandez, Director of Communications at the International School of Protocol and Events.

Thus, its presence is strengthened in events such as today’s transfer. “Disclosure is the most sensitive moments. Although the Swiss goalkeeper is not, it is clear, enough for a device of this size. The expert says: “The safety protocol complex these days is completed with other security forces (this Wednesday, we have seen army soldiers at the doors of the basilica equipped even with the anti -anti -equipment), especially from the moment when the heads of state begin to reach the funeral.”

After the funeral, the Swiss guards will not be able to reduce their guard, because they are “responsible for ensuring the integrity of the entire Cardinal College during the period of Conclave”, where 135 Cardinals will choose the successor of Francisco. Once they are chosen, they will be placed in their service: 135 soldiers between 19 and 30 years old consisting of the youngest army in the world and protecting the Holy Father since 1506, during the Pap for the second Julio, this elite security body was created.

Then there were 150 men, exclusively responsible for ensuring that the Holy See did not attack. Over time, tasks have been added. Today, in addition to guarding the four doors of the Vatican – “they control all the entrances and exit” – and accompany the Pope on his trips and in the work of his large agenda, they are devoted to directing pilgrims who go to the Vatican every day.

Regarding this work that was not of the origins, Francisco himself commented on half -Joke: “You need patience and guards they have! And they have a beautiful: they repeat things, explain … a lot of patience. Congratulations! Another “mission”, which had no choice but to assume, is to leave in “selfies” because the Swiss -Swiss guards, who are wearing the colorful renaissance suit, became the first demand for tourists.

Why was it created?

In 1506, being Pope Julio II, he asked the Swiss nobility to provide him with a small army to protect him. Swiss mercenaries were chosen for such a task because they were adopted by the fame of good fighters who worked in the Burgundy wars. On January 21, 1506, a total of 150 Switzerlands entered the Canton of Uri, under the leadership of Captain Caspar von Celine, for the first time in the Vatican crossing “Popolo Port”. God has blessed some by Pope Julius II and they can go to service.

At that time, the Swiss mercenaries were many, because the original Swiss cantons were crowded and suffered a lot of poverty. The mercenaries were a paid task (they received a salary, in addition to the “looting” of the war they took) and the authorities gave permits to employ soldiers in exchange for wheat and salt and better commercial conditions. It is estimated that there were about 15,000 men ready to perform this work, which was essential in the Italian wars, where the Swiss soldiers are believed to be “invincible” for their three virtues: courage, nobles and loyalty, and also explains the history of the Swiss Guards website itself.

One, high and arrangement of teeth, conditions

Thousands of volunteers for five centuries have today are deciming residents, and therefore there are employment schools to capture new “professions” to register in the Swiss goalkeeper. Although the profession is not only enough, some conditions are also required: to be a man, a Swiss, to practice Catholics, ranging between 19 and 30 years, and at least 1.74, and they have a driver card, and the army recruitment school exceeded, enjoying good health (including dental arrangement), and a test of psychological tests that deal with its ability to support stress at least until they are There are studies at least up to 25 years.

Once they are accepted, they have a two -month training period in which they are directed in psychology and law, personal security, fire extinction, and protocol to save life, shoot or personal defense training. The main Italians are also taught and subject to the specified military training for the guard (the exercises include greetings, marches alone and in the teams, and various courses, and of course, hurt by praise, the distinctive white weapon of ASTA with a blade). At least, they should remain in the service of the Holy Father 26 months.

The section, why on May 6?

“I swear to serve sincerely and honor his ruling back and their legal successors, and devote myself to them with all my strength, and sacrifice, if necessary, even my life in their defense.” This is the way the oath declared the new guards who were combined every year to the body. The oath is celebrated every May 6, on the anniversary of “Rome’s looting”: On May 6, 1527, the eternal city was attacked by the Emperor Carlos forces in. During this looting, Swission tried to resist the attack, but only 42 out of the 189 papal guards who survived it and then managed to provide Pope Clemente.

The lawsuit: 154 pieces and 39 hours of work

A red, blue and yellow pants suit that indicates that the Swiss guards are the invitation of the party, and the most distinctive (they have others). It consists of 154 pieces, and it takes 39 hours and its design is inspired by the wall panels of Raphael. Although always preserved the aesthetics of the same aesthetics, the uniform passes with changes, such as replacing the hat with current hats at the beginning of the twentieth century or simple white collars that replaced Gorguera Pleasada yesterday. “When they perform security tasks, the guards wear white gloves and the honorary festivals during the papal celebrations carry black helmets. At government receptions, the ancient and distinguished mercenary weapons, Alabarda, also carry the Swiss Guard.

However, clothes differ, according to the event (in the holy week, Christmas and on the right, the guards wear seven instructions, which they use during training and night service, blue).

What do guards do when they do not work?

Football balls can be recorded on the FC Guardia team, which competes with other groups of Vatican, such as Gendarmerie or The Museum’s Guardians. They also have a fitness room to exercise. Those who prefer music over sports can start with the wind tool and become part of the Guard Music Band. Five Albertinas nuns, originally from Poland, who are considered traditional Italian foods and Swiss delights are assigned to feed the forces.