What country has provided the Pope’s armed guards for centuries?

I toured St. Peter's Basilica in 1987. To the right of the cathedral outside we saw the entrance to Vatican City. When we walked to awesome castle-like doors protected by two guards we knew we were getting a bit too close as the guards lowered their swords blocking the door. It was pretty cool and it's also very cool they've never felt the need to modernize the uniforms. Nothing wrong with tradition.

Great responsibility to protect the head of the Roman Catholic Church with honor and vigilance and respect.

Not just ceremonial. They are well trained like our secret Service w/o the fancy uniforms.

Ironic that a country as famously neutral as Switzerland should have some of their cutizens classed as outstanding mercenaries!

Kat, maybe because they are from the 1500s.