Vatican signs agreement to renovate Swiss Guards' barracks

By Vatican News

On the occasion of the solemn oath of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, which also commemorates the sacrifice of the 147 Swiss soldiers who fell in defense of Pope Clement VII during the "Sack of Rome" in 1527, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Wednesday morning at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican between the Secretariat of State and the "Foundation for the Renovation of the Barracks of the Papal Swiss Guard in the Vatican".

The act was signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and by Mr. Jean-Pierre Roth and Mr. Stephan Kuhn, respectively President and Vice President of the above-mentioned Foundation. Mr. Denis Knobel, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the Holy See, was also present.

Although the Memorandum is a non-legally binding instrument, the Protocol attests to the common will of the Parties to work, in compliance with the Vatican and international law, to ensure better and environmentally-friendly housing conditions for the Guards, their families, and those who assist them in various ways.

The renovation is scheduled to begin at the conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee, provided that the financing of the final project is assured and the necessary authorizations are granted.