The Pope's mysterious army | DW Documentary

It’s the smallest and most mysterious army in the world: the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The film accompanies 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 heart of Vatican City. All must be Swiss nationals and devout Catholics. All have 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 assured by mercenaries from Switzerland. Trained to wield both halberds and semi-automatic assault rifles, the Swiss Guards form a unique army. But who are they really? What motivates these young boys to join this military and religious corps? An insight into a world usually closed to the cameras. #documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #vatican ______ DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary. Subscribe to: ‬ ⮞ DW Documentary (English):    / dwdocumentary   ⮞ DW Documental (Spanish):    / dwdocumental   ⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic):    / dwdocarabia   ⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi):    / dwdochindi   ⮞ DW Doku (German):    / dwdoku   For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610 Follow DW Documentary on Instagram:   / dwdocumentary   Follow DW Documental on Facebook:   / dwdocumental   We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G