Maximilian Fischer, 20, is one of the new recruits to an institution that has been protecting popes since the 16th century - the Swiss Guard.
Known to tourists in St Peter's Square for its colourful yellow, red and blue uniforms and ceremonial halberd weapons, the"world's smallest army" comprises Swiss Catholics aged between 19 and 30 and it remains all male.
Mr Fischer did military service in Switzerland where he learned that he ticked other boxes to join the Guard, whose members must be deemed of"impeccable character" as well as being at least 1.74 metres tall. During the swearing-in ceremony, the new recruits to the 135-strong force knelt before Pope Francis, raised three fingers on their right hand to represent the Holy Trinity and swore an oath to serve the pontiff to the death.
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