The Pope's Personal Army Comes From A Long Line Of Mercenaries

 

 

http://www.businessinsider.com/popes-guards-swiss-mercenaries-2013-5

 

The Pope's Personal Army Comes From A Long Line Of Mercenaries

Geoffrey Ingersoll|May 14, 2013, 11:41 AM|87,155|5

Don't mistake these colorful gentlemen for anything less than trained killers.

In fact, they're part of a 500-year line of mercenaries who "took part in brief but glorious wars and then returned home with the "pay" and the booty."

New recruits in the Papal company of these Swiss mercs recently swore in last week — an annual ritual — and added a batch of 35 warriors to their ranks.

As Swiss troops, trained in Switzerland, they have a firm grasp of modern combat, small arms, and counter terrorism. The Vatican outfit numbers around 150 to 200.

They're on a paid contract to the Papacy ... one that's lasted 500 years.