The apostolic visit of Leo XIV to Spain has also served to recall a little-known but decades-long relationship between the Spanish Royal Guard and the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Coinciding with the Pope’s presence in the country, the Royal Guard has recovered historical images of some of the institutional encounters held with the corps responsible for protecting the Roman Pontiff.
Through a post shared on its social media, the Royal Guard has sought to highlight the bonds built around tradition, ceremonial practice, and institutional service - elements that both units share despite performing different functions.
A historic encounter in the Vatican
Among the recovered images are those from May 2006, when a detachment of the Halberdier Section of the Royal Guard took part in events organized in Vatican City to mark the swearing-in ceremony and the 500th anniversary of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
That visit helped strengthen the relationship between two of Europe’s most emblematic ceremonial units.
The Spanish halberdiers shared ceremonies and formations with the Swiss Guards, whose mission to protect the Pope dates back to 1506.
The Swiss Guard marched in Madrid
The relationship between the two institutions became visible again years later.
In July 2014, a section of the Pontifical Swiss Guard traveled to Madrid to participate in the solemn changing of the guard held at the Royal Palace.
The image of both guards sharing one of the representative ceremonies of the Spanish Royal Household attested to a collaboration marked by mutual respect and admiration for traditions that have remained alive through the centuries.
A Vatican treasure in the Royal Guard Museum
The Royal Guard’s post also highlights a singular item preserved in its Historical Room: the only official uniform of the Pontifical Swiss Guard on display outside Vatican City.
This garment forms part of the Royal Guard Museum’s collection and constitutes one of the most visible testimonies of the relationship between the two institutions.
Its presence also allows the Spanish public to view one of the most recognizable images of the papal environment.
Tradition, service, and continuity
The recovery of these photographs coincides with a papal visit that is generating numerous historic images for the Church in Spain.
The presence of Leo XIV has also provided an opportunity to recall the institutional ties built over the years between the Spanish Crown and the Holy See through two of their most representative units.