Swiss Guard by junge1
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Description
Pope Benedict XVI steps down, the first pope to do so in 600 years, but the Swiss Guard soldiers on. The name Swiss Guard generally refers to the pontifical Swiss Guard of Holy See. They were formed in 1506 by Pope Julius II.
At the moment the force numbers 110 men. The force provides ceremonial duty, assists at the Vatican functions - and has a real function of actually protecting the pope.
To be able to join the Swiss Guard the applicant must be a Swiss citizen, must be a catholic male, not married, between 19 and 30 years old, completed his mandatory Swiss military service, must be of good moral and ethical background, at least 174 cm tall, and must have either a professional diploma or a high school degree.
Applicants sign up for a minimum of 2 years.
This picture was taken in July 1995 and is scanned,
Sig...
Comments (32)
debbielove
Stepped down or pushed out? Well, we'll never know.. But these are some of the most famous 'Soldiers' in the world, if only for their uniforms! Nice shot Sig! Rob
danapommet
A fantastic photo and If I remember correctly they are the oldest continuous military unit in the world or maybe 2nd to the British Royal Guards. Cool new avatar my friend.