Notes from the Federal Palace is that anyone who works in or for the Vatican receives Vatican City citizenship for as long as their work lasts. That means the guards quickly gain citizenship in their country of emigration, albeit only for a limited period. Vatican City also has an unusual form of government as the only elective absolute monarchy. The Holy See has observer status in the UN. The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with over 180 states, over 90 of which have a representation on site. With more than 1.3 billion believers plus a large, global network, the Holy See has political power as large as the territory itself is small. Papal Guard as a symbol of Switzerland in the Vatican Despite this political significance and the existence of the Swiss Guard, it was not until 2021 that the Swiss government decided to open an embassy at the Holy See in Rome. The Holy See, on the other hand, has been represented in Berne by a Nunciature (‘papal envoy’) since 1920. Due to complicated bilateral relations, not least domestic politThe Swiss Guards’ uniform is a splendid and colourful blue, red and yellow. It is based on Renaissance clothing and especially the frescoes of the painter Raphael. Photo: Keystone ical tension between the Protestant and Catholic camps, it took some time until Switzerland was ready to have its interests represented on Vatican City territory. In 2023, the new Swiss embassy at the Holy See was inaugurated by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin in Rome. Up to the 1990s, bilateral relationships were covered unilaterally via the Nunciature in Berne. In 1991, the Federal Council nominated an ambassador to serve as special envoy and from 2004 designated a plenipoten- www.schweizergarde.ch Notes from the Federal Palace The Swiss Guard has existed for five centuries – 518 years to be precise. That makes it the oldest standing army in the world. tiary who resided in another state and dealt with the Holy See in multiple accreditation; the most recent residence was in Slovenia. The opening of the Swiss representation at the Holy See in Rome marked a new chapter in Switzerland’s bilateral relations, as shown by the regular diplomatic visits. The president of the Swiss Confederation regularly attends the swearing-in ceremony for members of the Swiss Guard on 6 May in the Vatican. The high-ranking Vatican visit also provides an opportunity for official discussions at the highest level. Various popes have also visited Switzerland in the past: John Paul II, for example, went there three times. Pope Francis also visited Geneva in 2018. He attended the World Council of Churches and met with members of the Swiss government during his visit. The Swiss Guard has been a cornerstone of our bilaterial relations for over 500 years. They still open doors for Switzerland in the Vatican and thus contribute to consolidating ties. (FDFA) 33 Swiss Review / July 2024 / No.4
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