10 Fascinating Facts about the Swiss Guard

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5What do they do?

The guards take turns in their assignments. 2/3 of the guards in duty are in charge of protecting and guarding the entrances of the Vatican, while the rest act as a “secret service” team for the Pope in Rome and when he travels abroad.

If you get to attend a Wednesday Papal audience, the Pope drives around while guarded by men dressed in suits. These men are still part of the Swiss guard; they just don’t wear the colorful uniforms because of protocols and because it is easier to move.