Overview

• The new black wool suit—with double rows of buttons, a yellow and white belt, and a Mao-style collar—recreates an official uniform last worn in 1976.
• It will debut at a gala reception on Friday before the swearing-in of 27 recruits and will be worn only by senior ranks, with an unnamed benefactor covering about €2,000 per uniform.
• The iconic blue, yellow and red Gala Uniform remains in service and was designed by Commander Jules Repond in the early 1900s, not by Michelangelo.
• This year’s swearing-in was postponed earlier following the death of Pope Francis and the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
• Barracks renovation plans include flexible dormitory layouts that could allow a female section if approved by the pope, with €48 million raised, revised designs due soon, a new 2026 fundraising appeal, and a hoped 2027 construction start after UNESCO-related reviews.