Anton Kappler has recently become one of the personal assistants of Leo XIV, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed to the Catholic News Agency (KNA) on Wednesday.
In this position, the 46-year-old supports the previous valet Piergiorgio Zanetti, who already held the post under Pope Francis (2013–2025).
Zanetti previously worked for the pope's second security corps, the Vatican gendarmerie.
Like this, the Swiss Guard also ensures, among other things, the personal protection of the head of the church. Members of both services know the pope's needs as well as the necessary discretion.
The new valet Kappler has worked in the Guard since 2001, was most recently part of the leadership squad. At the end of January, he had retired from the papal army after 25 years of service.
Kappler comes from Sankt Gallen, a German-speaking canton of Switzerland. As it is said, Leo XIV currently wants to deepen his knowledge of German.
In the Swiss Guard, founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, 135 men serve. They are responsible for the protection of the Pope and his residence.
In addition, they accompany the head of the church on trips, check the entrances to the Vatican State and take up order and honorary services.
The Guard may become a member of the Guard, who have rendered military service in their Swiss homeland and have a blameless reputation.
Anyone who becomes Hellebardier must be younger than 30 years and unmarried. Longer-serving guardsmen are allowed to marry.