Irish church and state leaders travel for Pope Francis's funeral

Who are the Swiss Guards watching over Pope Francis’s lying in state?

They date back to the 16th century when mercenaries first served Pope Julius II and form the world’s smallest armyWith their feathered helmets, ruffled collars and coloured, puffed-sleeve uniforms, the Vatican Swiss Guards are often likened by curious visitors to medieval court jesters.But appearances can be deceiving. The world’s smallest army, whose primary role is to protect the pope, has been rigorously trained and with no living pontiff to …

Irish church and state leaders travel for Pope Francis's funeral

The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland and the Irish president are among those heading to Italy.