This meticulously detailed figure represents The Late, Pope John Paul II, in his white and red vestments with miter cap. He is standing with his hand raised in blessing.

The Swiss Guards have been the Papal guards of the Vatican for centuries and are considered the oldest of all military units with a continuous history. They were first recruited in 1505 from the German-Swiss cantons of Zurich and Lucerne.

By tradition, no other corps in the world has more rigid standards of recruitment. A candidate must come from the canton of Zurich, Unterwalden, Uri or Lucerne, must be a Swiss citizen of Roman Catholic faith, of legitimate birth, unmarried, physically fit, with a sound medical record, not over twenty-five years old, and not less than 5 ft 8 in. tall.

It is commonly believed that the uniform of the Papal Guards was designed by Michelangelo. Their medieval steel helmets and breast plates are worn with a puffed and slashed uniform of red, blue and yellow, in the style of the 1500's. This set depicts the Papal Guards marching with pikes and halberds.

Note:  All figures sold as unpainted Kits