Pontifical Swiss Guard
| Schweizergarde | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1506–present |
| Country | Vatican City |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Foot Guards |
| Role | Close Protection |
| Size | One reinforced company |
| Garrison/HQ | Vatican City |
| Commanders | |
| Ceremonial chief | Pope Benedict XVI |
The Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard or Swiss Guard (German: Schweizergarde or Das Corps der Päpstlichen Schweizergarde; Italian: Guardia Svizzera Pontificia; Latin: Pontificia Cohors Helvetica or Cohors Pedestris Helvetiorum a Sacra Custodia Pontificis) is something of an exception to the Swiss rulings of 1874 and 1927. It is a small force maintained by the Holy See and is responsible for the safety of the Pope, including the security of the Apostolic Palace. It serves as the de facto military of Vatican City.
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