The news comes after Pope Francis ushered in a new order, effective from October 1, requiring all Vatican employees to either be vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test every 48 hours.
The order is considered particularly relevant to the guards, as they work long shifts, are in close contact with the pope and live in apartments within the Vatican.
Out of the 135 members of the Swiss Guard, six initially refused to be vaccinated, according to local media reports.
While three guards eventually agreed to get the jab and are suspended until they can show they are fully vaccinated, the other three have refused to get the vaccine, resulting in their “voluntary” resignation, according to a press statement from the Swiss Guard.
In October last year, at the height of the pandemic, 11 Swiss Guards tested positive for COVID-19 and were placed in isolation.
The Swiss Guard is the world’s smallest and oldest standing army, which celebrated its 515th anniversary in January this year.
It is a long and complex process to become a member of the elite force.
The guards must be male and of Swiss nationality, as well as being Catholic, unmarried and aged between 19 and 30.
They must also have undergone intensive Swiss military training and be a minimum height of 174 centimetres.
Once joining the ranks, guards serve at least two years, and are welcome to extend their service up to 25 years.
The tradition of Swiss soldiers guarding the pope began in 1506, when Pope Julius II recruited mercenaries from Switzerland to protect the Vatican.
The true test of loyalty came on May 6, 1527, when 147 Swiss soldiers were slain protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome.
The surviving group of 42 guards whisked the pope to safety by making use of the secret passages that connect the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo.
In commemoration of their courageous efforts, new Swiss Guard recruits are always sworn in on May 6.
