New 3D Plastic Helmets For Pope’s Swiss Guard

An example of the new thermoplastic helmets (Picture: Catholic News Agency). 

The Swiss Guard, the Pope’s ancient protection force, have been issued with new thermoplastic, 3D-printed helmets.

Previously, the 513-year-old unit wore metal helmets, but the new version is cheaper to make and will be lighter and cooler for Guards to wear.

According to reports, the new 3D helmets are created from a scan of a 16th-century original. However, the new version will now feature the coat of arms of Pope Julius II, the first Pontiff to be protected by the Swiss Guard.

All members of the Guard must be of Swiss nationality, aged between 19 and 30, be at least 5 feet 8 inches tall and Roman Catholic.

They must also be complete basic training with the Swiss military.