The Vatican’s army has a new look

3 Oct 2025 • 12:51 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • 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.

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