Holy See (Vatican City) Military - 2023

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

Military and security forces

the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera Pontificia) serves as the de facto military force of Vatican City; the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City (Corpo della Gendarmeriais) is a police force that helps augment the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps during the Pope’s appearances, as well as providing general security, traffic direction, and investigative duties for the Vatican City State (2023)

note: the Swiss Guard Corps has protected the Pope and his residence since 1506

Military service age and obligation

Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps: 19-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; must be a single Roman Catholic male with Swiss citizenship who has completed basic training with the Swiss military and can obtain a certificate of good conduct; qualified candidates must apply to serve; the service contract is between 2 and 25 years (2022)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of Italy

NOTE: The information regarding Holy See (Vatican City) on this page is re-published from the 2023 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Holy See (Vatican City) 2023 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Holy See (Vatican City) 2023 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.