Ep 25. The Pope's Secret Service
- April 19, 2011
The Pope's Secret Service is an intriguing and informative episode from the National Geographic Documentaries series from 2011. This episode delves into the Vatican's mostly unknown security agency, the Swiss Guard, and examines their role in protecting the Pope and Catholic Church.
The episode opens with a history of the Swiss Guard, which dates back to the 16th century. The Guard was originally created in 1506 by Pope Julius II to protect the Vatican and the Pope. In modern times, the Guard is still responsible for the security of the Vatican, and their duty is to protect the Pope at any cost.
Through interviews with current and former members of the Swiss Guard, as well as Vatican officials, this documentary offers a fascinating glimpse into how the Vatican's secret service operates. The Vatican, like any small sovereign state, has its own intelligence agency, which operates under the authority of the Pope. This agency is responsible for monitoring any potential threats to the Vatican, and for keeping the Pope safe from harm.
The Swiss Guard is the public face of the Vatican's intelligence agency, and they are responsible for the physical security of the Pope. The Swiss Guard is a unique group, made up entirely of Swiss citizens, who are recruited for their military and personal skills. Once they are selected, they undergo vigorous training, which includes weapons training, self-defense, and first-aid, among other things.
The episode explores the rigorous selection process that forces Swiss Guards hopefuls to demonstrate their strength, agility, and discipline. The show offers a glimpse into the lives of these young men, who leave behind their families for two years to train and serve the Vatican. Women have only recently been allowed to work for the Vatican in other capacities and the Swiss Guard recruit men only at present.
One of the highlights of this episode is the in-depth look it gives to the training process. The Swiss Guard not only need to be skilled with weapons, but they must also learn how to detect suspicious activity and to defuse potentially dangerous situations. The episode shows the guards in action, using their various training techniques to disarm assailants and ensure the safety of the Pope.
The episode also takes viewers behind the scenes of the Vatican to show the Swiss Guard's daily routines. The guards are responsible for ensuring the security of the Vatican's many entrances and exits, as well as the homes of Vatican officials. They even patrol the gardens, ensuring that no one poses a threat to the Pope.
As well as covering the operational aspects of the Swiss Guard, this episode delves into its rich history, and religious and personal beliefs. The documentary shines a light on the religious convictions of the Swiss Guards, who view their service as more than just a job. Many comment on the life-changing experience of working for the Vatican and the honor they feel in serving the Pope.
Overall, The Pope's Secret Service is an excellent episode of National Geographic Documentaries series. It provides an informative and fascinating insight into the secretive workings of the Vatican, and the people who are charged with protecting the Pope and the Catholic Church. The documentary is a strong testament to the dedication and skills of the Swiss Guard, as well as their unique and proud history.
