Noun
Swiss Guard (plural Swiss Guards)
One of the Swiss soldiers who have served as guards at foreign European courts since the late 15th century.
During the periods of "sede vacante" (which is when there is no pope), the Swiss Guard instead guards the College of Cardinals, so as to ensure that the Cardinals, meeting in Conclave, are able to perform their duty in electing a new Pope. Source: Internet
Swiss mercenaries were historically recruited by Popes as part of an army for the Papal States, and the Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded by Pope Julius II on 22 January 1506 as the pope's personal bodyguard and continues to fulfill that function. Source: Internet
Soldiers of the Swiss Guard are entitled to hold Vatican City State passports and nationality. Source: Internet
The officers' rank markings illustrated here are those of the Swiss Guard. Source: Internet
The Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded by Pope Julius II on 22 January 1506 as the personal bodyguard of the Pope and continues to fulfil that function. Source: Internet
The same year, he founded the Swiss Guard to provide a constant corps of soldiers to protect the Pope. Source: Internet