A behind-the-scenes documentary about the Pontifical Swiss Guard in the Vatican was recently released on the website of European cultural channel Arte.
The 30-minute documentary, available in German and French at this time, features two young members of the Guard from Escholzmatt, a small village in German-speaking Switzerland, retracing their months of training that culminated in their oath-taking to officially join the world’s smallest army alongside some 30 other young members of the class, May 6.
Lukas Wicki, 21, and his friend Dominik Zemp, with whom he grew up and signed up for the Guard service, share the same love for the Church and the same willingness to ensure the pope’s safety, even at the risk of their lives.
Through their eyes, Italian director Alessandro Cassigoli reveals to the viewer the many different facets of the world in which those who make it into this elite troop evolve, whether it be the demands of their training and daily rhythms, or the delight of being able to contemplate a sunrise over Rome from the Apostolic Palace after a long night of guard duty.
In their traditional Renaissance-style multi-colored uniforms, the Swiss Guards watch over the Vatican territory day and night and are also present at all the celebrations in St. Peter’s Square.
New Documentary Offers Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Pontifical Swiss Guard| National Catholic Register
New Documentary Offers Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Pontifical Swiss Guard| National Catholic Register
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