Recognizing the military prowess of Swiss mercenaries, Pope Julius II obtained funding from the wealthy German merchant Jakob Fugger to fund a contingent of soldiers to ensure his safety, protect Vatican property, and assist in military engagements when necessary.
22nd January 1506: Pope Julius II formally establishes the Pontifical Swiss Guard as the personal bodyguard of the Pope and the Vatican
- 22nd January 2025
- Tagged as: Bodyguard, Julius II, Mercenary, Papacy, Pontifical Swiss Guard, Pope, Pope Julius II, Rome, Swiss Guard, Switzerland, Vatican, Vatican City
