What is it like to serve in the Swiss guard

It was the end of the 15th century. The Swiss mercenaries had won the title of capable and fearless warriors, with many of them serving as bodyguards in the European royal courts to win a living. In a period of turmoil, conspiracy and fragile alliances, the Priest July II gives 1506 the mandate to create the papal Swiss guard – the last one to date.

What is it like to serve in the Swiss guard

Those who have visited their Vatican have seen stand serious and immovable in historic buildings, with many of them always being one step behind the Pontiff. Their appearance gives you the feeling that they have come out of a theatrical William Shakespeare, but experts know better: Don’t fool you on their dress, they are very capable soldiers and determined to give their lives for the Pope. They are their bodyguards.

The papal Swiss guard is now considered the smallest and oldest army on the planet. To become a member must have Swiss citizenship, be universal, between 19 to 30 years, and its height is not less than 172 cm.

Candidates are trained for 17 weeks in gun handling, tactics, personal defense techniques and psychological resistance to difficult situations. Their « term » lasts from two to 25 years.

In addition to the Pope, the Swiss guard also protects the most important buildings in the Vatican. (Photo: Reuters / Tony Gentile)

Mario Ensler served for five years in the Swiss guard and was the man of Pope John Pavlos II. He wanted to become a musician by finishing school, but his father urged him to try to enter the papal guard.

« During the training it became known that a place was opened. At first I didn’t want to go, however as I thought I was going to Rome, I live in the Vatican, I will live close to the Pope, in the end I said yes, ”Mario will tell the Daily Mail.

« And when you are there, only then you understand. Your role is not just to give your life for the Pope, but you have the opportunity to understand what it means to be a Catholic, « he says and continues: » This was the greatest lesson I took from Pope John Paul II. « 

Of course, in these five years that the man was coming behind Pontiff, Mario Ensler lived several and strange moments.

« He was in a simple shift when a man appeared and told me he wanted to talk to my boss. When I explained to him that I have many, he said, « I am Jesus Christ and returned. And I have to tell the Pope that his job is over and returning to Poland – I don’t need him anymore. « 

Having trained for such situations, Edler kept his temper and replied: « The Pope is not available now, but you can leave your number and I am sure he will call you. » And this is how this strange encounter ended.

Once again, while he was a view to one of the buildings in the Vatican, Sean Connery appeared. Mario was thrilled to see him, but what he did not expect was the joy of the famous actor, who asked him to take a photo.

Pope John Paul II along with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 2004. (Photo: EPA / Patrick Herzog)

In 1993, Mario Ensler decided that it was time to move on with his life. He left the Swiss guard, moved to the US with his wife and today is the father of five children and a grandfather of four.

However, he insists that, despite the 30 years that have passed, the lessons that have given him his passage from the Guard and Pope John Paul II himself are still following today.

« It was an experience that transforms you. The opportunities presented to me and the benefits I got have shaped me as a human being, ”he said, while considering Pontiff who served as one of the best who has gone through the post.

« He was one of the people who faithfully followed the shot of God. He gave me strength but also to find God inside me. « 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC-na2bzko