VATICAN CITY - Dressed in Renaissance uniforms and armed with centuries-old mandates, the Swiss Guards have stood as both protectors of popes and symbols of the Vatican City for over 500 years. Established by Pope Julius II in 1506, “the world’s smallest army” has dedicatedly guarded the heart of Catholicism through wars, political upheavals and contemporary struggles, embodying the fusion of tradition, faith and military discipline.

 Now, a new documentary from Rome Reports, produced by CEO Antonio Olivie, Honor in Armor: Inside the Vatican Swiss Guard, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of these modern warriors, peeling back layers of the ceremonial armour to reveal the inner world of the smallest but oldest standing military army. The documentary will first air on Swiss public television 3SAT on December 11th.  

 Directed by the Italian Golden Globe prize winner Jesús Garcés Lambert, the documentary provides an intimate portrait of the life of Swiss Guards, offering insight into their personal stories, the process of their selection and preparation, their intense training, as well as their daily activities and responsibilities. 

 In an exclusive interview with the Italian Insider, director Jesús Garcés Lambert reflects on his inspiration for creating the documentary, stating: “while I had a vague knowledge of what they do, I often found myself wondering: who are these men? What inspires someone to become a Swiss Guard? How do their loved ones feel about such a demanding and, at times, dangerous vocation?”

 “I understand that many people view the Swiss Guard as merely a ceremonial corps, overlooking their vital role as bodyguards and their rigorous training and dedication,” Rome Reports CEO Antonio Olivie told the Italian Insider. “It is quite extraordinary to have over 130 young men from Switzerland willing to risk their lives to protect the Pope.” 

 Honor in Armor is the first film production to gain access to and unveil the hidden archives of the Vatican, delving deeply into the story of Lieutenant Colonel Ruppen, a Swiss Guard serving in the Vatican during the pivotal World War II, particularly during the Nazi occupation of Rome. Ruppen’s extraordinary feat — that of undertaking a perilous journey to Switzerland to secretly procure modern weapons and return with them to the Vatican to ensure the small nation-state protection against Hitler’s alleged plan to kidnap Pope Pius XII — is made public for the first time in this documentary. And of course, his was a journey that greatly resonates with the Swiss Guard’s sense of determination. 

 “We had the unique opportunity to explore their archives and reveal extraordinary accounts of heroism during World War II,” said Antonio Olivie. “This research truly brings to light the deeper mission of this exceptional unit. 

 Featuring short interviews with Swiss Guards and American journalist Delia Gallagher, a decades-long Vatican expert who has travelled around the world with popes on many occasions, Honor in Armor offers an insightful exploration of the world of the Swiss Guards. Gallagher shares her insight into the events inside the Vatican and her impressions from her international travels with the Pope, where she often found herself in remote and sometimes dangerous areas of the world working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Guards. “I was always struck by their correctness, their sense of duty and propriety even “behind the scenes.” They are gentlemen,” she said. 

 She elaborates on the challenges that Swiss Guards face today, emphasizing their need to maintain composure and professionalism amid the bustling crowds surrounding the Pope in public places, all while prioritising his safety above everything else. 

 “Francis is a Pope who loves to be with the people. From a security point of view, this makes things even more complicated because he likes to stop and greet people personally even in big crowds. So in any situation, the Swiss Guards may have to quickly change up their plans depending on what the Pope wants to do,” explained Gallagher. “This requires an ability to assess security situations that weren’t necessarily anticipated, so they really have to be mentally, as well as physically, at the top of their game. Mostly, however, they have to have a heart.”

 In her commentary for the documentary, the Vatican journalist recalls her personal experiences observing the Swiss Guards in action, both in Rome and during her travels with the Pope. “I think it requires a special kind of person to be a Swiss Guard, and so I was happy to participate in this documentary, which shows the world these young men with the valor and humanity that I have seen up close,” she shared.

 The premiere of the documentary took place on November 21st, 2024 at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, Italy, leaving many in the audience in awe as the powerful life stories of the Swiss Guards were screened. 

 “All the effort we put on doing this documentary was richly rewarded on the night of the premiere at the Vatican,” shared director Jesús Garcés Lambert. “After watching the film, some of the Swiss Guards remarked, "Finally, a documentary that shows who we really are.”

 Among the distinguished guests at the premier was Princess Maria Pia Ruspoli, a prominent figure in Italian aristocracy and an Italian former actress, who expressed admiration for the documentary's profound storytelling. 

 “Our family has an important historical connection with the history of the church,” she shared with the Italian Insider. “I have always had a great respect for the service performed by the Swiss Guards and the documentary is a testimony of their dedication to the papacy and reaffirms my ancient knowledge of their connection to the Holy See.”

 The event concluded with a stirring speech by Comandante Christopher Graf, adding a poignant reflection on the legacy and commitment of the Swiss Guards. He also shed light on a current challenge that they face, revealing, “In fact, our greatest challenge, which will remain vital in the future, is recruitment.”

 He went on to emphasise the importance of inspiring the next generation, adding “If we want to continue to inspire young people to undertake this extraordinary service to the Holy Father, at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, we must be able to offer clear, interesting and motivating future prospects.” 

 Honor in Armor. Inside the Vatican Swiss Guard is a unique cinematic experience that not only illuminates the valour and humanity of the Swiss Guards, but also underscores their enduring legacy as steadfast protectors of the Vatican, inspiring new generations to carry forward this extraordinary tradition. 

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