<P> (English translation) I swear to diligently and faithfully abide by all that has just been read out to me, so help me God and his Saints . </P> <P> "Those who are accepted serve for a minimum of two years, but can also stay in service for an additional year or two, which was the case for many guards during last year's Jubilee of Mercy ." Regular guardsmen (halberdiers) receive a tax - free salary of EUR 1,300 per month (as of 2015) plus extra pay for hours worked overtime . In addition, accommodation and boarding are provided . Members of the guard are eligible for Vatican decorations . The Benemerenti medal is usually awarded after three years of faithful service . </P> <P> The official dress uniform is of blue, red, orange and yellow with a distinctly Renaissance appearance . It was introduced by commandant Jules Repond (1910--1921) in 1914 . Repond's design was inspired by 16th - century depictions of the Swiss Guard . While both Michelangelo and a painting of the Pontifical Swiss Guard bearing Pope Julius II on a litter (by Raphael) are often cited as inspiration for the Pontifical Swiss Guard uniform, the actual uniforms worn by those soldiers included a flaring skirt; a common feature in male clothing during the Renaissance . A clear expression of the modern Pontifical Swiss Guard uniform can be seen in a 1577 fresco by Jacopo Coppi of the Empress Eudoxia conversing with Pope Sixtus III . It shows the precursor of today's recognizable three - colored uniform with boot covers, white gloves, a high or ruff collar, and either a black beret or a black Comb morion (silver for high occasions). Sergeants wear a black top with crimson leggings, while other officers wear an all - crimson uniform . The colours blue and yellow were in use from the 16th century, said to be chosen to represent the Della Rovere coat of arms of Julius II, with the colour red added to represent the Medici coat of arms of Leo X . </P> <P> The ordinary guardsmen and the sub-corporals wear the "tricolor" (yellow, blue and red) uniform without any rank distinctions except for a different model of halberd in gala dress . The corporals have red braid insignia on their cuffs and use a different, more spear - like, halberd . Headwear is typically a black beret for daily duties, while a black or silver morion helmet with red, white, yellow and black, and purple ostrich feathers is worn for ceremonial duties, the former for guard duty or drill; the latter for high ceremonial occasions such as the annual swearing in ceremony or reception of foreign heads of state . Historically brightly coloured pheasant or heron feathers were used . The senior non-commissioned and warrant officers have a different type of uniform . All sergeants have essentially the same pattern of dress as ordinary guardsmen, but with black tunics and red breeches . Every sergeant has a red plume on his helmets, except for the Sergeant Major, who displays distinctive white feathers . When the gala uniform is worn, sergeants have a different pattern of armor with a gold cord across the chest . </P>

Who inspired the swiss guard uniform that is still worn today