New Vatican Museums exhibit centers on Pontifical Swiss Guards

A new exhibit that centers on the Swiss Guards was opened Friday at The Vatican Museums.

Titled "The Life of a Swiss Guard: A private view," it features 86 images by photographer Fabio Mantegna. The photos, in color and black and white, feature shots that tell the history of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps in the service of the Pope.

"The artistic shots of Fabio Mantegna tell a noble and ancient history, but also the beautiful youth of a group of boys at the Rome service of the Pope, proud and honored the role they represent and the service to which they are called," said Prof. Antonio Paolucci, Director of the Vatican Museums, in a statement roughly translated using Google Translate.

The exhibit, which will be open until June 12, focuses on the responsibility and commitment of the guards to ensure that the Pope and his residence are safe. According to the press release, it shows their life at work and behind the scenes during less formal occasions. The photos also have accompanying text -- comments made by the photo subjects about their own experiences at work.

"Being Swiss Guard is a vocation," said Col. Christoph Graf, Commander of the Swiss Guard Pontifical. "We need faith and deep conviction to carry out this extraordinary commitment and noble. Day and night we are close the Holy Father and we try, through our service, to grant him the peace and security they need to perform his ministry as Successor of Peter."

The history of the Pontifical Swiss Guards goes back to 1506 when it was first founded. In 2015, Pope Francis visited them and their families, and said it was an opportunity to "strengthen a [significant] friendship."

"In the history of the Church, many men and women have embraced the call of this great love," the Pope said, as quoted by Radio Vaticana. "The Swiss Guards who fought during the sack of Rome [on May 6, 1527] and who gave their lives in the defense of the Pope followed this call. And responding with devotion to this call means to follow Christ."

He exhorted them to attend mass, go to confession, read the Gospel daily, and pray for it will help them in their vocations. With this, they will be able to convey the message of love that comes from Christ to those who come to the Vatican.

The Pope said, "In effect, Swiss Guards are a 'billboard' of the Holy See!"