An interview with the Director of Security and Civil Protection Services and Captain of the Gendarmerie Corps

Mission and service of fidelity to the Pope and to the Church

Protecting the Pontiff is the primary duty of the Gendarmerie Corps. It devotes all its energies and capabilities to guaranteeing his protection. This is why Gendarmes are often asked to live their profession as a mission and service to the fidelity of the Pope and to the Church.

The following is an interview with Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, Director of Security and Civil Protection Services and Captain of the Gendarmerie Corps.

 What are the duties of the Gendarmerie Corps?

The Gendarmerie Corps is a police force that performs all the duties usually carried out by police and security forces. In particular, the Gendarmerie is responsible for all that is involved in the protection and security of the Supreme Pontiff and of the other Authorities of the Holy See and Vatican City State. It also carries out the functions of judicial, administrative. economic and financial, customs and traffic police, It is responsible for public security on Vatican territory and in the extraterritorial zones recognized by the Lateran Treaty.

Can you give some examples of the activities you conduct on a daily basis?

The Gendarmerie is responsible for checking all those who enter Vatican City and are a fixed presence on the territory, maintaining public order.

It promptly intervenes in case of necessity or danger to those who work or visit the Vatican territory. 

How much of your time is dedicated to protecting the Supreme Pontiff?

Protecting the Supreme Pontiff is the primary task of the Gendarmerie. A large part of our work is dedicated to this task, which we share with police and security forces of other countries.

How does one become a Gendarme and what are the requirements?

In order to become a Gendarme, candidates have to be professed Catholics, have a strong physique, and above all, understand that being a member of the Gendarmerie is not simply a job, but a mission and a service of fidelity to the Pope and the Church.

The following are requirements to be considered for selection: have good moral standing, be unmarried. Have a high school degree, be between the ages of 21 and 25 at the time of hiring, be in good physical health, be at least 1.78 cm. tall, and not have been sentenced for a crime or undergone rehabilitation measures.

From the point of view of security, what are the greatest challenges you face?

There are currently many challenges we face from the point of view of security. The Pope is always at risk of attacks, not only from organized groups, but also from so-called lone wolves or people who are not mentally well. Vatican City is a global stage, which is why it is important to protect all that this place represents, safeguarding the territory and all that has to do with technology and cyber security.