The Vatican’s army has a new look

• The Swiss Guards, the Vatican's army, unveiled a new black wool uniform for formal, non-ceremonial events, recreating a centuries-old design.
• Colonel Christoph Graf presented the uniform, featuring a yellow and white belt and a Mao-style collar, ahead of the annual swearing-in ceremony.
• Each new uniform costs approximately 2,000 euros and was funded by an unnamed benefactor, intended for senior ranks.
• Plans are progressing to renovate the Swiss Guard barracks, with architectural designs that could potentially accommodate female recruits in the future, though no decision has been made.
• The barracks renovation, a UNESCO World Heritage site project, has raised 48 million euros, but increased costs mean construction is now hoped to start in 2027, missing the original completion target.

IN FULL

World’s oldest army unveils new uniform – but keeps iconic Renaissance-style garb