Roma - Swiss Guard

Swiss mercenary regiments have served as regular line troops in various armies over centuries. They were known for for discipline and loyalty - and had a reputation to be very effective. Francis I of France had about 100.000 swiss mercenaries on his payroll.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded in 1506. It is one of the oldest military units in the world. Recruits to the Swiss Guard must be Catholic, single males with Swiss citizenship.

We were on our way to the St. Peter's Square that morning to join the large crowd on the square. In about two hours the Pope would enter the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica and give the "Urbi et Orbi" address and blessing.