The Swiss Guard, founded in 1506, consist of 100 volunteers who must be of Swiss nationality, Catholic, single, at least 174 cm (5.7 ft) tall and without a beard. They celebrate their 503rd anniversary this year. New recruits are sworn in every year on May 6 to commemorate the day where 147 Swiss soldiers died defending the Pope during an attack on Rome in 1527.

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A new recruit of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard gestures while holding a flag during the swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican May 6, 2012.