World’s oldest army unveils new uniform – but keeps iconic Renaissance-style garb
The Vatican’s army has a new look
- The Swiss Guards, the Vatican's army, unveiled a new black wool uniform for formal, non-ceremonial events, recreating a centuries-old design.
- Colonel Christoph Graf presented the uniform, featuring a yellow and white belt and a Mao-style collar, ahead of the annual swearing-in ceremony.
- Each new uniform costs approximately 2,000 euros and was funded by an unnamed benefactor, intended for senior ranks.
- Plans are progressing to renovate the Swiss Guard barracks, with architectural designs that could potentially accommodate female recruits in the future, though no decision has been made.
- The barracks renovation, a UNESCO World Heritage site project, has raised 48 million euros, but increased costs mean construction is now hoped to start in 2027, missing the original completion target.