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

Context

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 the new pontiff Leo XIV represented additional work. The Swiss Guard had to quickly adapt to this new requirement, ensuring the security of the site and the new pontiff.

New barracks construction project

The Corps also advanced the project to build a new barracks. The plans are in the final stages and will then be submitted to UNESCO for approval. However, the increase in construction prices in Rome has led to additional costs, with a 20% increase over the initial estimate. This has necessitated a review of the budget and a search for additional funding sources.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: Regular service with 135 guards available
• Regular 12-hour shifts
• Full coverage of security needs
• Scenario 2: Extraordinary service during the conclave
• Six-hour shifts with double shifts necessary
• 24/7 coverage with reduced staff

New recruits and oath

During 2025, 32 new recruits joined the pontifical guard, while 29 left the service. Next Wednesday (6 May), the new arrivals will take the oath, in the presence of the Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin. He is also scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV.

Regulations and key dates

• Date of death of Pope Francis: Easter Monday 2025
• Date of the funeral: 8 April 2025
• Date of the oath of the new recruits: 6 May 2025
• Expected date for UNESCO approval of the new barracks: End of 2025

Concrete examples with real numbers

• Number of guards on duty during the funeral vigil: 8
• Number of shifts required during the conclave: 4 per day per guard
• Number of delegations present at the funeral: 180
• Increase in costs for the construction of the new barracks: 20% over the initial estimate

References to specific Ticino municipalities

Many of the new recruits come from Ticino municipalities such as Bellinzona, Locarno, and Lugano. These young people completed their training at the training center of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in Rome but maintain strong ties with their communities of origin.

Operational details

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 resulted in additional costs, a factor that could influence the timing and methods of implementing the project.

Project Details

• Estimated Costs: The initial budget was 20 million CHF, but the increase in prices has led to a 15% revision, with a new budget of 23 million CHF.
• Timelines: Construction was scheduled to begin in 2026, but bureaucratic delays could push the start of work to 2027.
• Regulations: The project must comply with UNESCO regulations for the conservation of historical heritage, with an approval process that can last up to 12 months.

Impact on Personnel

The arrival of 32 new recruits and the departure of 29 members of the corps have maintained a relatively stable balance in the number of personnel. However, the need to work double shifts during periods of high operational intensity has underscored the importance of adequate support and resources for the personnel. The swearing-in ceremony of the new arrivals, in the presence of Confederation President Guy Parmelin, represents a significant moment for the corps and a recognition of their crucial role in the security of the Vatican.

Concrete Examples

• Recruits: The new recruits come mainly from the cantons of Ticino, Uri, and Lucerne, with a focus on young people between the ages of 19 and 25.
• Work Shifts: During the conclave, the guards worked in 12-hour shifts, with a 50% increase in overtime hours compared to a standard year.
• Psychological Support: A psychological support program has been implemented for the personnel, with an annual cost of approximately 50,000 CHF.

Comparisons with Other Security Forces

• Italian Guardia di Finanza: Uses a rotating shift system to manage periods of high operational intensity.
• Ticino Cantonal Police: Has a continuous training program for personnel, with an annual budget of 200,000 CHF.

Conclusion

The year 2025 put the Pontifical Swiss Guard to the test, highlighting the need for modernization and adequate support for personnel. The project for the new barracks and the arrival of new recruits represent important steps towards the future, but additional costs and bureaucratic delays remain significant challenges.

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Key points

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 cost of construction materials has increased by 15% in the last 12 months. To mitigate this impact, an operational checklist has been created:

• Verification of quotes: Compare at least three suppliers for each material.
• Cost monitoring: Use project management software to track expenses in real-time.
• Payment planning: Establish a payment schedule based on project progress.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

To illustrate the impact of additional costs, consider two scenarios:

• Scenario A: Use of local materials in Rome. Estimated cost: 5 million CHF.
• Scenario B: Import of materials from Switzerland. Estimated cost: 6.5 million CHF, with a 30% increase due to customs duties.

In this case, the use of local materials proves to be more cost-effective, saving 1.5 million CHF. However, it is essential to evaluate the quality and availability of local materials to ensure the durability of the structure.

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Source: tvsvizzera.it