Let’s start with the basics.

Vatican City is a country, the smallest country in the world.

Being its own country, having an army doesn’t sound so outrageous. However its “army”, 135 people, not called the Vatican or even Roman army it’s called the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

Why you ask?

Originally a a Swiss bishop suggested creating a contingent of Swiss soldiers purely for the use of the Pope, remember the Pope was the equivalent of the king at that time – no separation between church and state – so not such a crazy idea.

Additionally mercenaries from Switzerland had a reputation for being among the best in the world, a new piece of information for me.