Swiss Guards welcome 34 new recruits, soldiers sworn to protect Pope

VATICAN - MAY 06: On Monday, 34 Swiss soldiers swore their oath of allegiance as they joined the Pontifical Swiss Guard during a ceremony held in the Vatican's San Damaso courtyard. Before the oath-taking ceremony, the Swiss Guards opened the doors of their barracks to a group of journalists, including an Anadolu Ajansı correspondent. The Swiss Guards, the world’s oldest and smallest guard unit still active, have been keeping the Pope and the residences of the Vatican safe for more than 500 years. Created by Pope Julius II in 1506, Swiss guards stand out as the only guard unit that has been active, although there have been some interruptions. The Swiss Guards, was previously 110, but the number of soldiers was increased to 135 in 2019. To serve in the Swiss Guards, there are certain must-haves that need to be met. Swiss Guards, there are certain must-haves that need to be met. Volunteer applications to join the Swiss Guards are open to Catholic and Swiss citizens who are university graduates, have completed their military service, are single men between the ages of 19 and 30, and stand at least 174 centimeters tall. (Footage by Riccardo De Luca /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)