Renovating new Papal Swiss Guard barracks to cost CHF50 million
The current Swiss Guard command centre at the Vatican is not fit for purpose in the long run.
Keystone
A Swiss-based foundation has been charged with raising CHF50 million ($50 million) to renovate barracks that have been earmarked to house the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
The foundation was established in canton Solothurn in 2016 to support the work of the Swiss Guard. Former Swiss central bank chairman Jean-Pierre Roth is in charge of the renovation project and heads the foundation, according to La Liberté.
The Pope’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, gave the green light in June for the foundation to raise the necessary funds, he told the newspaper. The money must first be raised before construction work can begin.
The new Swiss Guard command centre, covering 14,200 square metres, has been in use since the beginning of last year, and was officially inaugurated last September. Around 110 Swiss troops are stationed there but the number is set to go up to 135.
But at least one building dates back to 1825, so a lot of work needs to be done to get it into shape to permanently house the guards and to meet modern-day building regulations. Three buildings with damp problems need to be demolished and a third rebuilt. “It’s very hot in summer and cold in winter,” Roth said.
Swiss soldiers have been stationed near Rome to guard the Pope and his palace since 1506. Roman Catholics account for about 38% of the Swiss population.
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Algerian to face trial in Switzerland for ties to Islamic State
This content was published on
A 51-year-old Algerian man has been charged by the Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office for involvement in the banned terrorist group.
Sylvain Saudan, ‘skier of the impossible’, dies aged 87
This content was published on
The Swiss father of extreme skiing pioneered descents from the Alps to the Himalayas – and became the sport’s first star.
Hayek family buys additional Swatch shares for nearly CHF11 million
This content was published on
Following the acquisition of registered shares worth over CHF20.6 million on Monday, the Hayek family made another purchase on Tuesday.
Suicide capsule to be used in Switzerland this year, says euthanasia organisation
This content was published on
The organisation “The Last Resort” has confirmed that the suicide capsule Sarco is to be used in Switzerland. This should happen this year, it said.
This content was published on
The event is always held on May 6 each year, the date that commemorates the 147 Swiss soldiers who died defending Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527. On Saturday, the new recruits pledged their allegiance to Pope Francis. The Pontifical Swiss Guard, which was formed in 1506 by Pope Julius II, is…
Pope makes a surprise visit to Swiss guard’s wedding
This content was published on
On Saturday, the pontiff took over the role of officiating the wedding from Brazilian priest Father Renato dos Santos, who was as surprised as the couple and the guests. “Never in my life, never would I have thought of finding the Pope in a sacristy,” dos Santos told Vatican NewsExternal link. His homily during the…
This content was published on
The world's oldest standing army, the Papal Guards, have presented a prototype of its new headgear: Plastic PVC helmets made with a 3D printer.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.