34 recruits join Vatican's Swiss Guard, swearing allegiance to Pope Francis. The world’s smallest army is still recruited from Swiss towns and villages.

The origin of this army dates back to 1506, when Pope Julius II, who had been pontiff for three years, recruited a group of 150 Swiss mercenaries, who had a very good reputation, as his personal ...

When the world goes off kilter, words from the Vatican can seem toothless. But don’t underestimate the power of the Church’s ...

The Swiss Guard was established by Pope Julius II in 1506. Here's what to know about the 500-year-old military body.

Drone-busting troops and special forces sharp-shooters are part of huge security operation at the Vatican as the world's VIPs join 500,000 mourners for Pope Francis's funeral ...

Today, this task falls to the members of the Swiss Guard, who are responsible for guarding the Vatican and, in particular, the Pope. Over the years, their evolution has been straightforward, from ...

The Vatican can take three key steps to provide greater assistance than it already has in securing ...

Pope Leo XIV is expected to live in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, unlike the late Pope Francis who shunned the palace in favour of a Vatican hotel, according to several Vatican officials.