Pontifical Swiss Guard lengthens training for new recruits

The Pontifical Swiss Guard has lengthened the training period for new recruits to address concerns regarding how their actions appear on social media. Sergeant Major Marco Radovinovic told EWTN News that the training focuses on stopping potentially dangerous individuals quickly without using excessive force.

Radovinovic, who has served as a guard for 12 years, stated that the force must remain aware that the public is watching through cell phone cameras and social networks. He noted that discretion serves to protect the guards themselves and helps manage interactions with bystanders who take photographs.

The guard has observed an increase in unusual behavior from people following the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in tourism in Rome. This has led to more frequent situations requiring guards to intervene at the entrances of Vatican City State. In June, guards responded to two PETA activists who attempted to climb a fence during a general audience with Pope Leo XIV.