Farewell to a Swiss Guard Who Served Three Popes: His Last Interview

Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
29 Jul 2010

Joseph Schmidt died in Rome July 28, 2010. This is his last interview.

Right here in this same square, 500 years ago, the world's smallest army pledged its loyalty to the head of the Catholic Church.

Back then, terrorism didn't exist and driving in a Popemobile had yet to replace being carried aloft on a chair.  Yet, as veteran Swiss Guard Josef Schmidt recalls, the pontiff still faced significant threats.

Josef Schmidt
Former Swiss Guard
"It all began with Pope Julius II, who asked the Swiss government for soldiers to protect him and to accompany him when he went outside the Vatican.  The canton of Lucerne sent 189 guards and they arrived on January 22, 1506."

It's been 500 years and the Swiss Guard is still protecting the pope. They sustained one of their biggest losses in the 16th century, when the papal guard whisked Clement VII away from the apostolic palace… through a secret passageway to Castel Sant'Angelo; a refuge for pontiffs under seige.

Josef Schmidt
Former Swiss Guard
"While defending Pope Clement VII from the German troupes, 147 Swiss guards died. The 49 who survived stayed on as the Pope's body guards."

Schmidt served as corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant under 3 different popes over a span of 15 years.