![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E3KIVM6XITOILJVPMRYBTDKOEU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6825e4243928a691944c43c8cb80d5c15a6d326f46a42602132eec372f459512&width=400&height=225)
The visit from March 5 to 8 will be the first trip abroad by Pope Francis since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RKAKHRDDVZPDWU5SWQLQGO436Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=2954cf23f9132b40cb8d18057ac53b9654afbc25a12c3ad22e8959360bad927f&width=400&height=225)
Swiss guards stand in front of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Officers from the Swiss Guard will accompany Pope Francis when he visits Iraq on March 5. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HONB2WWVZCPKK2HACSV4EX7TDE.jpg?smart=true&auth=134352e1f051c88a1a47822173b554f7ed344e55f932878f38574b6dd02e47d9&width=400&height=225)
Known as the world’s smallest army and always visible near the pope, the origins of the Swiss Guard date back over five hundred years. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NJJSCQQ6KCZBRZRGOGMRPGUPMQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=497297fecc8737bf762b8123b08525064bc0bf925d43703270d45bb4cd7991c7&width=400&height=225)
In addition to swords and halberds, Swiss Guards carry tear gas and firearms for use in emergency situations. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/767EQZXZZDE6ABY5YIHD2RWR6U.jpg?smart=true&auth=7544085ba6b73c99f7fee0b1dadcfeb43d5661e7467974af55d9bb94221d53a8&width=400&height=225)
The guards are known for their eccentric, brightly-coloured uniforms. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BU73IDT3DQJ26GSF3BHWE54XIE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d7aa4a54c3d2908bed6d52bdbdbae4909cace9b7aa3d728853b6729705207e1c&width=400&height=225)
Primarily, the Swiss Guards are tasked with protecting the pope and the Apostolic Palace. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E3KIVM6XITOILJVPMRYBTDKOEU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6825e4243928a691944c43c8cb80d5c15a6d326f46a42602132eec372f459512&width=400&height=225)
The visit from March 5 to 8 will be the first trip abroad by Pope Francis since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RKAKHRDDVZPDWU5SWQLQGO436Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=2954cf23f9132b40cb8d18057ac53b9654afbc25a12c3ad22e8959360bad927f&width=400&height=225)
Swiss guards stand in front of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Officers from the Swiss Guard will accompany Pope Francis when he visits Iraq on March 5. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HONB2WWVZCPKK2HACSV4EX7TDE.jpg?smart=true&auth=134352e1f051c88a1a47822173b554f7ed344e55f932878f38574b6dd02e47d9&width=400&height=225)
Known as the world’s smallest army and always visible near the pope, the origins of the Swiss Guard date back over five hundred years. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NJJSCQQ6KCZBRZRGOGMRPGUPMQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=497297fecc8737bf762b8123b08525064bc0bf925d43703270d45bb4cd7991c7&width=400&height=225)
In addition to swords and halberds, Swiss Guards carry tear gas and firearms for use in emergency situations. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/767EQZXZZDE6ABY5YIHD2RWR6U.jpg?smart=true&auth=7544085ba6b73c99f7fee0b1dadcfeb43d5661e7467974af55d9bb94221d53a8&width=400&height=225)
The guards are known for their eccentric, brightly-coloured uniforms. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BU73IDT3DQJ26GSF3BHWE54XIE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d7aa4a54c3d2908bed6d52bdbdbae4909cace9b7aa3d728853b6729705207e1c&width=400&height=225)
Primarily, the Swiss Guards are tasked with protecting the pope and the Apostolic Palace. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E3KIVM6XITOILJVPMRYBTDKOEU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6825e4243928a691944c43c8cb80d5c15a6d326f46a42602132eec372f459512&width=400&height=225)
The visit from March 5 to 8 will be the first trip abroad by Pope Francis since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
The 'world's smallest army' protecting the Pope in Iraq
The Swiss Guards are trained in the latest combat methods despite their traditional appearance
![Mona Farag](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F1c9bd289-2354-4fda-b0bb-f0f7eecd3bc1.png?smart=true&auth=e40c0425e666422be850b751bdf1e5ae9e46fb4f69ac0ddfa62a8183914701ff&width=70&height=70)
Mona Farag
01 March, 2021
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