The elite Swiss Guard watching over conclave have a dramatic role as papal bodyguards

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The elite Swiss Guard watching over conclave have a dramatic role as papal bodyguards

Armor like a knight on horseback. A helmet with bright-colored plumes sticking out. Wide blue and gold-striped pants that can seem almost clown-like.The Swiss Guard, the pope’s iconic bodyguards, look ceremonial but in the pageantry of the Renaissance-style uniform lies the answer to why they will be protecting the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday as cardinals assemble to choose the successor to Pope Francis.Their uniform is an homage to the epic last stand the guards once made to defend the pope. It's a declaration that they are willing to do so again, according to Bry Jensen, a historian and host of ..