1472262
1472262

The Pope's Mysterious Army

2025-04-18
10
en 43m
Documentary
It's the smallest and most mysterious army in the world: the Swiss Guard. The film follows 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 center of Vatican City. All must be Swiss citizens and devout Catholics. They have all 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 ensured by Swiss mercenaries. Trained in the use of both halberds and semi-automatic rifles, the Swiss Guards form a unique army. But who are they really? What motivates these young men to join this military and religious body? A dive into a world normally closed to the cameras.

Director

Brando Baranzelli

Cinematography

Brando Baranzelli

Editor

Antoine Laviolle

Music

Thomas Dappelo

Sound Mixer

Raphaël Guerin

Production Director

Fella Madaoui

pope catholic

Status

Released

Countries

    Companies

    • DW