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Death of the Pope EmeritusThe Swiss Guard pays tribute to Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI died at the age of 95 and the Pontifical Guard honored his memory on Saturday.
At Christmas, the Swiss Guards watched over the Vatican.
AFP/File photo
The Pontifical Swiss Guard returned Tribute to the former Pope Benedict XVI who passed away on Saturday at the age of 95, assured that it was a great honor to serve him. “With great sadness to learn of the passing away of our pontiff, Benedict XVI“, in a message published on social networks, the oldest army in the world, created in 1506 by Pope Julius II and has a total of 135 men. “It is a great honor to be able to serve him all the guards he served for eight years as head of the Catholic Church. Requiem”, the message adds.
With their famous blue, yellow and red striped baggy uniforms and feather-adorned helmets, the Swiss Guards delight tourists for photos. To be a member of the Swiss Guard, you must be from Switzerland, practicing Roman Catholicism, single, between the ages of 19 and 30 and at least 1m74 tall.
135 guards pledge to protect the Pope for at least 26 months. They live in a camp in the Vatican. Benedict XVI, the first German pope in modern history, shocked the world by announcing his resignation in 2013 after eight years of pontificate, unprecedented in six centuries.
(AFP)
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