Swiss Guard
Videos
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, also known as the Papal Swiss Guard or simply Swiss Guard, is an armed force, guard of honour, and protective security unit, maintained by the Holy See to protect the Pope
The conclave of Pius V, with Swiss Guard guarding the entrance, Codex Maggi, 1578
Swiss Guard, Jean Barbault
Armour for the Papal Guard of Gregory XIII, c. 1580s, in the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts
Barracks of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in Vatican City.
Christoph Graf
Videos
Colonel Christoph Graf is a Swiss military officer. He serves as the 35th Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, appointed by Pope Francis on 7 February 2015, succeeding Colonel Daniel Anrig.
Swiss Guard
…In December 2014, Pope Francis directed that Daniel Anrig's term as commander should end on 31 January 2015, and that he be succeeded by his deputy Christoph Graf. This followed reports about Anrig's "authoritarian style". In 2015, with the rise of Islamic terrorism in Europe and open threats against the Vatican…
Graf in 2024