questions about the swiss guard

[kesa82]

Hmm, I'm not sure where this question would go but -

Is the Swiss gaurd purely ceremonial? That is, if the Vatican city were theoretically milatarily attacked, would the Swiss gaurd actually act? Are they ever armed / equipped with anything more up to date than a halbert?
Second, when they join the swiss gaurd do they give up swiss citizenship and become citizens of Vatican city? Would they potentially be in any legal difficulty back home in Switzerland?
Anyone know of any link covering in detail Vatican law covering the legal status / citizenship , rights and obligations of the Swiss gaurd? I'm just interested in that sort of thing.

[decn2b]

No they actually guard the pope. And as far as weapons...well If I told you what they were packing I would have to........nevemind.

[Karin]

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/swiss_guard/index.htm
(Vatican website regarding the Swiss guard)

http://www.schweizergarde.org/ (swiss guard website)

[Karin]

Originally Posted by kesa82

Hmm, I'm not sure where this question would go but -

Is the Swiss gaurd purely ceremonial? That is, if the Vatican city were theoretically milatarily attacked, would the Swiss gaurd actually act? Are they ever armed / equipped with anything more up to date than a halbert?
Second, when they join the swiss gaurd do they give up swiss citizenship and become citizens of Vatican city? Would they potentially be in any legal difficulty back home in Switzerland?
Anyone know of any link covering in detail Vatican law covering the legal status / citizenship , rights and obligations of the Swiss gaurd? I'm just interested in that sort of thing.

they do not give up their swiss citizenship..they do have modern weapons

[Morning Glory]

Have you ever seen the guards at the Tower of London? The "Beefeaters"? They wear the same sort of ceremonial "costumes". However they are highly trained and very commited, just like the Swiss Guards.

[Mom of 5]

While at the Vatican a few years ago, I had my picture taken with a swill guard. He really wasn't suposed to allow it, but he said to "hurry, hurry". I cherish that picture, the best souvenier of all.

Love and peace,
Mom, of 5

[Dale_M]

Once joined, they learn to handle swords and halberds, just as their predecessors did. Additionally, they are required to maintain a high level of physical fitness and a mastery of modern weaponry such as the SIG Sauer 9mm pistol and the H&K submachinegun. They also work hard at developing skills in close-quarters fighting, tactical movement, security, and counter-terrorism techniques.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/pope/story...452750,00.html

But I have read (in a 20 year old book titled "Pontiff") that the Vatican also has a plain-clothed police force who carry hand guns. (I just can't remember their name!)

[Disciple87]

I'd love to join the Swiss Guard, but I don't have Swiss citizenship and it take like 12 years to obtain...

[P8TRIOT]

Are those men who wear black suits that look like secret service protecting the Holy Father also Swiss Guards? Do they switch back and forth from guardsmen posts(fancy uniforms) to walking next to the Pope mobile?