Swiss Guards: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	Guardia Svizzera
Date	1506 - present
Areas Of Involvement	pope

Photos

Pontifical Swiss Guards in traditional striped uniforms and plumed helmets stand in formation in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, during the 2005 papal election.

Map of Vatican City highlighting major streets, gardens, and landmarks, including St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square with its central obelisk, the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, Vatican Apostolic Library, Government Palace, and surrounding walls. The map also shows adjacent roads in Rome and includes a small inset locating Vatican City within Italy.

Colonel Jules Repond, Commander of the Papal Swiss Guard, stands in ornate armor with a feathered helmet and ruffled collar in front of large wooden doors.

Infographic featuring a central illustration of a pope, surrounded by labeled facts such as the total number of popes, most common papal names, oldest and youngest elected, longest and shortest reigns, number of popes made saints, official titles, and origins by country.

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