[VIDÉO] The Swiss Guard fainted before the Pope’s eyes

A Swiss guard briefly fainted Wednesday before Pope Francis gave his traditional weekly general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.

The Swiss guard suddenly collapsed, falling face down, causing a great crash with his halberd and helmet. Immediately those around him rescued him and lifted him up. The episode lasted only twenty seconds.

In pictures of the event, we can see Pope Francis, seated in his large armchair upholstered in white fabric, watching with a concerned eye behind his glasses as a young guard in colorful uniform returns to him.

Two minutes later, when he regained consciousness, a Swiss guard came out of Paul VI’s room.

When asked by AFP about the cause of the illness, the Vatican pointed to a “potential decrease in tension”. “He is fine,” he said.

Still, the Swiss Guards’ famous uniform of blue, yellow and red stripes isn’t very suitable for the summer heat: in addition to a plumed helmet, it consists of gaiters, baggy trousers and a white collared jacket.

According to an AFP photographer on site, Pope Francis spoke to one of the Swiss guards at the end of the audience, something he usually never does.

Responsible for the security of the Pope and the Vatican, the Swiss Guard is the oldest army in the world: it was created in 1506 by Pope Julius II.

In March 2013, several Italian media reported an unusual episode at the Vatican. Pope Francis, leaving a room at dawn, questions a Swiss guard: “Have you been up all night, my son?” The Pope retraced his steps and returned with the chair. The guard protested that this was forbidden by the rules, but the Pope assured him and he complied.