Being a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard isn't a job for just anyone. There are strict requirements for becoming a Swiss Guard. First and foremost, a Swiss Guard needs to be a Swiss Roman Catholic male (via Britannica). Each guard must be at least 5 feet 8 inches tall and between the ages of 19 to 30. He must also be single and have a high school diploma. And to better perform their duties, they go through Swiss military basic training. Each recruit also has to be a whiz at languages, according to Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Relations. Orders are given in German, and knowing Italian is an essential part of the gig as well.
New members of the Swiss Guard have a special swearing-in ceremony on May 6, the anniversary of the deadly 1527 battle. In 2021, 34 new soldiers were welcomed by Pope Francis into the Pontifical Swiss Guard. They all pledged to "faithfully, loyally, and honorably serve the Supreme Pontiff Francis and his legitimate successors, and also dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing if necessary also my life to defend them" (via the Catholic Telegraph).
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