Swiss Guards unveil historic black wool uniforms for formal duties, preserving iconic Renaissance garb. Amid papal transition, barracks revamp eyes female recruits.
Newsroom (06/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) The Swiss Guard, the Vatican’s storied security force and the world’s oldest continuously serving military unit, introduced a new formal uniform on Thursday, offering a modern twist on its centuries-old traditions without retiring its signature Renaissance-era garb.
The fresh addition—a sleek black wool ensemble with double-breasted buttons, a yellow-and-white sash and a high Mao-style collar—is designed for non-ceremonial duties, such as diplomatic receptions or official dinners beyond the Vatican’s confines. Col. Christoph Graf, the Guard’s commander, modeled the outfit during a presentation at the corps’ barracks, just ahead of Saturday’s swearing-in of 27 new recruits.
“This uniform revives a historical design worn by Swiss Guard officers until 1976,” Graf said, emphasizing its authenticity. The corps had experimented with an update a decade earlier but scrapped it in favor of this more precise recreation. An anonymous donor covered the costs, with each suit priced at approximately $2,300 and reserved exclusively for senior ranks. The attire will make its debut Friday at a gala reception preceding the ceremony.
A Legacy Spanning Five Centuries
Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, who admired the valor of Swiss mercenaries during the Italian Wars, the Swiss Guard has protected the Holy See for over 500 years. Today, it comprises just 135 men, all Swiss nationals, making it the smallest and one of the oldest standing armies globally.
The annual swearing-in traditionally occurs on or around May 6, honoring the 147 guards who perished defending Pope Clement VII during the 1527 Sack of Rome. This year’s event was delayed due to the April death of Pope Francis and the subsequent conclave that elevated Pope Leo XIV.
The new uniform joins a wardrobe that includes the iconic “Gala Uniform”—a billowing blue, yellow and red outfit evoking the Renaissance, often mistakenly attributed to Michelangelo. In fact, it was created in the early 20th century by Commander Jules Repond, drawing inspiration from the Medici family’s colors, according to the corps’ official records. For everyday patrols at Vatican entrances, guards don practical navy uniforms paired with berets.
Barracks Overhaul: Paving the Way for Potential Change
The ceremony unfolds amid ambitious plans to renovate the guards’ aging barracks, aiming to optimize space and introduce dormitory-style accommodations. While no immediate shift toward admitting women is planned, the upgrades could facilitate it in the future by alleviating longstanding space constraints.
Jean-Pierre Roth, president of the foundation spearheading the $56 million project launched in 2016, noted that the redesigned layout includes flexible modules that could incorporate a dedicated women’s section if papal approval comes. “This is not our call,” Roth, a former Swiss National Bank president, clarified. “We’ve simply ensured the infrastructure can adapt if needed.”
Complicating matters, Vatican City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, requiring U.N. oversight for modifications. Initial architectural approval arrived in 2023; revised plans are due soon. Rising construction costs in Rome have inflated budgets, prompting a fresh fundraising drive in 2026. Originally slated for completion by the 500th anniversary of the Sack of Rome in 2027, work is now targeted to begin that year.
Rigorous Standards, Enduring Commitment
Prospective guards face stringent requirements: Swiss citizenship, male gender, devout Catholicism, ages 19 to 30, a minimum height of 1.74 meters (5 feet 7 inches), an unblemished record, robust health, secondary education and completed Swiss military service. Candidates must hold a driver’s license and commit to at least 26 months of duty. Marriage is permitted only for those over 25 with five years of prior service and a pledge for three more.
Among Saturday’s inductees is Dario, a recruit identified by his first name for privacy. Inspired by his father’s 1989-1991 tenure and a friend’s 2023 ceremony, Dario joined in January. He has already navigated an extraordinary year: a Jubilee drawing millions of pilgrims, the passing of one pontiff and the rise of another.
“In one year, we’ve seen more than many guards experience in their full term,” Dario reflected in the barracks courtyard. The role demands long hours, he added, but that’s its essence. “You’re here to serve, not vacation in Rome.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
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