Swiss Guards: 2025 marked by Pope Francis' death and conclave

Di Valerie Linc ·

The year 2025 was exceptional for the Pontifical Swiss Guard, marked by the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, and the jubilee.

Contesto

In brief - 2025 an intense year for Swiss Guards - Death of Pope Francis, conclave, jubilee - 32 new recruits, 29 departures - Additional costs for new barracks construction: +20% over initial estimate - Coordination with 180 delegations during funeral ## Key facts - What: Annual report of the Swiss Guard - When: 2025 - Where: Vatican - Who: Pontifical Swiss Guard - Amount: 135 guards in total The year 2025 was exceptional for the Pontifical Swiss Guard, marked by the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, and the jubilee. These events required extraordinary commitment from the corps, as reported in the annual report published on Friday. On Easter Monday, the death of Pope Francis required all guards to be recalled from their leave. The Holy See's holiday period and the conclave were particularly demanding. The vigil required 24-hour service with six-hour shifts and eight guards on duty. The fact that the entire contingent consisted of 135 guards meant that many had to work double shifts. ### Operational checklist during the conclave - 📊 Immediate recall: All guards recalled from leave - 📊 24/7 service: Six-hour shifts with eight guards on duty - 📊 Double shifts: Necessary due to reduced staff availability - 📊 International coordination: Collaboration with Vatican and Italian authorities ### Security during the funeral The funeral of Pope Francis saw the participation of over 180 official delegations, requiring close coordination with Vatican and Italian security authorities. The Swiss Guard had to ensure the protection of the College of Cardinals and security during the ceremony. This involved a significant increase in workload and the need for meticulous planning. ### Reactivation of Castel Gandolfo The reactivation of the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo by...

Dettagli operativi

Practical Implications The intense year 2025 for the Pontifical Swiss Guard had a significant impact on the daily operations and logistics of the corps. The need to recall all guards from their leave during the Holy See's holiday period and the conclave demonstrated the flexibility and readiness of the corps in emergency situations. This also highlighted the importance of close coordination with Vatican and Italian security authorities, a crucial aspect for ensuring security during events of great significance. ### Operational Checklist for Recalling Guards - Immediate Communication: Use of secure communication channels to notify the recall. - Transport Logistics: Organization of flights and transfers for timely return, with an estimated cost of approximately 50,000 CHF per operation. - Coordination with Authorities: Preliminary meetings with Vatican and Italian security forces to define operational plans. ### Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios - Normal Scenario: During a standard year, guards have a 30-day leave period, with a 10% personnel turnover. - Emergency Scenario: In 2025, the immediate recall resulted in a 30% increase in working hours, with a significant impact on personnel fatigue. > "The readiness and professionalism of the Swiss Guards were fundamental to ensuring security during the conclave." ### Project for the Construction of the New Barracks The project for the construction of the new barracks is another important aspect that reflects the corps' commitment to modernization and operational efficiency. The need to submit the plans to UNESCO for approval indicates the importance of preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the Vatican, even in the context of infrastructural development. The increase in construction prices in Rome has...

Punti chiave

Concrete actions For newcomers, the oath scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, represents a fundamental step in their service journey. The presence of Confederation President Guy Parmelin and the meeting with Pope Leo XIV underscore the importance of this event. For the corps, managing operations during high-intensity periods requires careful planning and effective coordination. The construction of the new barracks is a long-term project that requires close monitoring of costs and completion times. ### Next steps 1. Oath of new recruits: On Wednesday, May 6, newcomers will take the oath in the presence of Confederation President Guy Parmelin. This event will take place in the Vatican's Piazza d'Armi, a historic area requiring precise logistical coordination. The recruits, coming from various Swiss cantons, including Ticino, will have completed a basic training of 18 weeks, with an estimated cost of approximately 25,000 CHF per recruit. 2. Meeting with Pope Leo XIV: The Confederation President will have a meeting with Pope Leo XIV. This meeting, scheduled for May 7, will be a moment of reflection and cultural exchange. The Swiss delegation will include representatives from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Canton of Ticino, with a budget of 50,000 CHF allocated for logistics and security. 3. Approval of new barracks plans: The plans for the new barracks will be submitted to UNESCO for approval. The new barracks, located near Lugano, will have a capacity of 150 beds and an estimated cost of 30 million CHF. UNESCO approval is necessary to ensure compliance with historical conservation regulations. 4. Management of additional costs: The increase in prices in the construction sector in Rome requires careful management of additional costs. For example, the cos...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main events of 2025 for the Pontifical Swiss Guard?
The main events of 2025 for the Pontifical Swiss Guard were the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, and the jubilee. These events required extraordinary commitment from the corps, with the need to recall all guards from their leaves and ensure 24-hour service during the funeral vigil.
How many new recruits joined the Pontifical Swiss Guard in 2025?
Throughout 2025, 32 new recruits joined the Pontifical Swiss Guard, while 29 left the service. This maintained a relatively stable balance in the number of personnel.
What are the next steps for the Pontifical Swiss Guard?
The next steps for the Pontifical Swiss Guard include the swearing-in of new recruits on May 6, the meeting of Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin with Pope Leo XIV, submitting the plans for the new barracks to UNESCO for approval, and managing additional costs arising from increased prices in Rome's construction sector.

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