In the Armory of the Swiss Guards

On August 30th we got a tour of the Armory and Barracks of the Pontifical Swiss Guards, which is the oldest army in the world, est. in 1506.  In the Renaissance/Post-Ren. period many Swiss Guard units were hired by various European courts, but now only the Vatican has a Swiss Guard. Unlike the present, Switzerland was a poor country whose young men often sought their fortunes abroad, often as mercenaries.  On May 6, 1527, 147 of the 189 Guards, including their commander, died fighting the troops of the Holy Roman Empire during the Sack of Rome in order to allow Clement XII to escape to the nearby Castle.
It was interesting to speak with the Swiss Guard that gave us the tour and notice how much pride they have in this event and how they themselves would be happy to lay down their own lives for the Pope and the Church should the opportunity arise.
The grotto above in their barracks commemorates this day of sacrifice for the Pope.