Photos of the Swiss Guard on display

A new photographic exhibit on the Swiss Guards has debuted at the Vatican Museums.

The exhibition, which is in Rome until June 11, 2016 features the work of photographer Fabio Mantegna, whose images take visitors on a tour of  The Life of a Swiss Guard: A private view.  There are plans to take this exhibit to other countries in the future as well.

According to the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum website, director of the Vatican Museums, Antonio Paolucci said the exhibition shows a noble and ancient story, but also speaks of the beautiful youth of a group of young men who are at the service of the Roman Pontiff.

They are proud of the role they represent and the service to which they are called.  However, they are also young men in their twenties with the same dreams, enthusiasm, and hope that any 20-year-old has.  This is what the photographic service of Fabio Mantegna shows. Here the photographic image itself, through the choice of subject, the composition of the shot, and the effects of light, offers a glimpse on the reality of the Guard which is never banal.

Moreover, the exhibit will feature some of the uniforms and weapons used by the force.