Swiss Guards Arrive in Rome

Yesterday a group of former members of the Swiss guard arrived in Rome after re-enacting the 720 kilometer historic march from Bellinzona, Switzerland, to Rome, 500 years ago. The march, completed by 70 former guardsmen, took 28 days and followed the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route to Rome. There will be a number of events to mark the 500th anniversary of the Swiss guards who for 500 years have protected the Vatican and 42 popes. Tomorrow they will receive a blessing from the Pope followed by more events Friday and Saturday.

In case you're interseted in joining the Swiss guards, Guard recruits must be Roman Catholic Swiss nationals, between 19 and 30 years of age, single, high school graduates and at least 174cm tall. They must have also completed Swiss military service.

In 2005, more than 3.8 million travelers visited Vatican City. This was a record for Vatican City visitors.

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