The Pontifical Swiss Guard

Supporting the Pope’s protectors

One the foundation’s first initiatives in 2017 was the sponsorship of an exhibition ‘The Swiss Guards – A Private View’ about the noble history of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Founded in 1506 the corps is one of the oldest and smallest armies in the world.

The exhibition arrived in London at Westminster Cathedral in November after a year-long tour of the United States. Featuring the stunning photographs of Fabio Mantegna and curated by Dr. Romina Cometti, the impressive display on loan from the Swiss Guards’ Armory included halberds, swords, and helmets from the 16th century as well as some modern-day uniforms and photographs of the everyday lives of the Pope’s army and protectors.

The exhibition attracted hundreds of visitors during its month long run at the Cathedral. Many of the items on display had never left the Vatican before.

The exhibition was officially opened by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Edward Adams and the Commander of the Swiss Guard, Colonel Christoph Graf. The Great Britain Chapter of the Patrons co-sponsored the exhibition and we were pleased to have Fr Kevin Lixey and Dr Romina Cometti from the Vatican Patrons with us.

The exhibition was officially opened by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Edward Adams and the Commander of the Swiss Guard, Colonel Christoph Graf. The Great Britain Chapter of the Patrons co-sponsored the exhibition and we were pleased to have Fr Kevin Lixey and Dr Romina Cometti from the Vatican Patrons with us.

We were honoured that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess Michael of Kent attended the dinner held afterwards to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.

GSP Mensa Project

Today, the Galileo Foundation has created a ‘Benefactors’ Circle’ for the Mensa Project of the Swiss Guards, to provide ongoing annual support for the corps’ daily sustenance. We are very proud of this collaboration which involves a number of our Galileo donors and their families who value the association with such a noble history stretching back five centuries to the 1500s. Each year on May 7th, the day after the annual swearing–in of new guards, the Commander of the Swiss Guards will host a Galileo Foundation dinner in the Barracks accompanied by a private tour of the Apostolic Palace. There will also be an opportunity to greet the Holy Father Pope Francis at the general audience.

To find out more about the Pontifical Swiss Guard, please visit www.schweizergarde.ch. To join the Benefactors’ Circle of the GSP Mensa Project, please contact support@galileofoundation.org

Photo credits: Fabio Mantegna