Vatican’s Swiss Guard Gets a Helmet Upgrade
Forget the old iron helmets that added extra heat to their heads, the Vatican’s Swiss Guard has now donned lightweight 3‑D printed thermoplastic caps. The change came on the 513th anniversary of the squad’s founding in 1506.
What’s New?
- Material matters: The new helmets are built from thermoplastic instead of metal.
- Weight savings: Old helmets weighed 2 kg (4.4 lb), new ones are a mere 570 g (1.2 lb).
- Design twist: They keep the same look but carry Pope Julius II’s coat of arms.
- Cool factor: No more headache‑sweating from metallic heat.
Style Highlights
The 110‑strong guard usually appears in plain clothes, but at papal events they don the iconic yellow, red, and blue stripes – a color splash that’s hard to miss.
Why This Matters
Not only does it keep them cooler on hot Masses and state visits, but it also shows the Vatican’s leap into modern tech—proof that even a centuries‑old guard can look future‑forward.
Quick Facts
- Machine: 3‑D printer
- Producer: Swiss company
- Lasted reference: Pope Julius II’s original armory
