Swiss Guards - The Pope’s Mysterious Army
April 7, 2025
The film accompanies these men of faith and combat, from their recruitment in Switzerland to their military training in the heart of the Vatican.
Made up of 150 men, this elite corps lives in barracks in the heart of Vatican City. All must be Swiss nationals and devout Catholics. All have sworn to fight to the death to protect their faith and the Holy Father.
They are heirs to a 500-year-old tradition in which the Pope’s protection and security were assured by mercenaries from Switzerland.
Trained to wield both halberds and semi-automatic assault rifles, the Swiss Guards form a unique army. But who are they really? What motivates these young boys to join this military and religious corps? An insight into a world usually closed to the cameras.
Broadcasting Hours:
DW English
FRI 18.04.2025 – 01:15 UTC
FRI 18.04.2025 – 04:15 UTC
SAT 19.04.2025 – 13:15 UTC
SUN 20.04.2025 – 19:15 UTC
MON 21.04.2025 – 09:15 UTC
MON 21.04.2025 – 16:15 UTC
MON 21.04.2025 – 21:15 UTC
WED 23.04.2025 – 12:15 UTC
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