how many swiss guards are in the vatican

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, also known as the Vatican Swiss Guard, is a military corps responsible for the safety and security of the Vatican City. As of my cut-off knowledge in 2023, there are approximately 110 Pontifical Swiss Guards serving in the Vatican.

To be eligible to join the Pontifical Swiss Guard, one must:

1. Be a Catholic male
2. Be a Swiss citizen
3. Be between 19 and 30 years old
4. Be at least 175 cm (5’8.9″) tall
5. Have completed basic military training in Switzerland

The Pontifical Swiss Guard is known for its distinctive Renaissance-style uniform, which has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in the 16th century. The guards are also known for their dedication and professionalism in serving the Vatican and the Pope.

It’s worth noting that the number of Swiss Guards may vary slightly over time due to factors such as recruitment and retirements. However, 110 is the approximate number of guards that have been serving in the Vatican in recent years.