Armor like a knight on horseback. A helmet with bright-colored plumes sticking out. Wide blue and gold-striped pants that can seem almost clown-like. The Swiss Guard, the pope’s iconic bodyguards, ...

As videos and photos of the late Pope Francis circulate online, many have taken notice of the striking figures standing vigil beside his body — the Swiss Guard. Dressed in vibrant Renaissance-era ...

While the Secret Service protects the U.S. president, the Swiss Guard protects the pope. So who are these men who march around St. Peter’s Square, donning multi-colored uniforms designed during the ...