Editing Roman Curia (section)

===Pontifical Swiss Guards===
The [[Pontifical Swiss Guards]] is a minor armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City. Established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is among the oldest military units in continuous operation.[[File:SwissGuardsatPrefettura.jpg|thumb|right|Members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the ''Prefettura della casa pontificia'' in Vatican City.]]They serve as personal escorts to the pontiff and as watchmen for Vatican City and the pontifical villa of Castel Gandolfo. The guards, who are independent of the Swiss armed forces, are employed by the Catholic Church under the leadership of the pope, to whom they swear fealty in a ceremony at Belvedere Court.

The current Commander is Colonel Christoph Graf.