A Swiss Guard and a Papal Chamberlain on the steps of the Scala Regia at...

The Swiss Guard is a small force of about 135 soldiers, maintained by the Holy See and responsible for the safety of the Pope, including the security of the Apostolic Palace; The Swiss Guard has served the popes since the 16th century; ceremonially, they shared duties in the Papal household with the Palatine Guard and Noble Guard, both of which were disbanded in 1970 under Paul VI; Today the Papal Swiss Guard has taken over the ceremonial roles of the former units; a Papal chamberlain (Cameriere di spada e cappa) was one of the highest honours that could be bestowed on a Catholic layman by the Pope, and was often given to members of noble families; mostly an honorary position, but a chamberlain served the Pope for one week per year during official ceremonies; office was abolished in 1970 by Pope Paul VI; the black costume with gold chain is that of the Spanish court in the 16th century; from a series of illustrations of life in the Vatican, produced for the French market by Liebig as promotional trade cards; Liebig's meat extract, manufactured in Uruguay by Fray Bentos, became by the late 19th century a staple food in European homes and was extensively used in World War II;