Swiss Pontifical Guard
Serving as a Swiss Pontifical Guard was one of the most unique and formative experiences of my career. I underwent rigorous training in VIP protection, police procedures, special forces tactics, firefighting, advanced first aid, and diplomacy. My missions included:
Protecting the Holy Father and the Apostolic Palace
Providing security during the Holy Father’s apostolic voyages
Guarding the entrances of Vatican City State
Performing duties of order and honor
This role demanded discipline, discretion, and professional confidentiality. It greatly enriched my career, strengthening my ability to operate under pressure, safeguard sensitive information, and deliver excellence in service.
Diplomatic Relations
During my service as a Swiss Pontifical Guard, I was entrusted with duties that required close exposure to ambassadors, prime ministers, presidents, kings, queens, and other VVIPs visiting the Vatican. While my role often required discretion, I directly interacted with diplomats, cardinals, bishops, and other high-ranking officials. This unique environment allowed me to receive specialized training in diplomacy, etiquette, and protocol, equipping me with the skills to navigate high-level interactions with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
Specialized Training & Formations
As part of my service as a Swiss Pontifical Guard, I received extensive and multidisciplinary training designed to prepare me for high-security, diplomatic, and ceremonial duties. This included:
Basic police procedures and self-defense techniques
Firearms training with Glock 19 and SIG SG 550
Advanced firefighter training
Advanced first aid training
Crowd control strategies
Tactical operations comparable to SWAT standards
Special forces formation with DRA10
Advanced etiquette formation
Advanced diplomacy and protocol formation
This comprehensive training sharpened my ability to perform under pressure, strengthened my leadership and crisis management skills, and instilled a unique combination of discipline, cultural awareness, and professional confidentiality essential for high-profile environments.
Social Media & Photography
During my time with the Swiss Pontifical Guard, I contributed to the development and management of our official Instagram channel, helping to shape its content strategy and visual identity. I also served as a photographer for diverse events and personal requests from fellow guards, capturing key moments with attention to detail and discretion.
In addition, I was responsible for collecting and curating content from specific events and assisted with PR initiatives, including providing private tours of the Swiss Guards Barracks. This role allowed me to combine my skills in photography, social media, and communication while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
You can find some of my photography in the carousel below.
