Numbering just over 100 men, the Vatican’s Swiss Guard are members of the oldest
standing army in the world and are probably the smallest one. Although they now
have a largely ceremonial role, the Swiss Guards are part of an elite force that is
ready at any moment to sacrifice their lives for the pope, as 147 of them did during
the sack of Rome in 1527. This weekend sees the anniversary of that sacrifice by
the Guards which is marked by the annual swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits.
Listen
to the following report by Susy Hodges that explores one of the Vatican's most colourful
institutions.