Medals

At the Vatican the hearts of the tall Swiss Guards sometimes swell with martial pride at thought of a time when life in Rome was far less safe for the Papal entourage than it is today; of a time 400 years ago when a German imperialist army, led by the Constable de Bourbon, sacked Rome. Pope Clement VII (1523-34) fled before the rascals and many a Swiss Guard lost his life covering Clement's retreat. In memory of this event, Pope Pius XI last week gave the present Swiss Guardsmen...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!