New cookbook celebrates the strong bond between Swiss Guards and popes A new book of recipes, The Vatican Christmas Cookbook, presents a collection of meals enjoyed by the Swiss Guards, who often dine with the pope. Vatican Swiss guards march toward St. Peter's Basilica prior to the start of Pope Francis' Urbi et Orbi (Latin for "to the city and to the world") Christmas Day blessing at the Vatican on Dec. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) January 6, 2021 VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Christmas holidays can be a particularly tough time for the Swiss Guards, especially the new recruits. The colorfully clad protectors of the pope must stand guard for numerous ceremonies at the Vatican, all of them many miles away from their own homes and families.