Päpstliche Schweizergarde: The Leaders

Commander of the Guard – Christoph Graf

Colonel Christoph Graf was born 5 September 1961 and comes from Pfaffnau (LU). He is married and has two children.

He joined the Guard in 1987 and in October 2010 he became deputy commandant and as such, first advisor to the commandant. He was responsible for controlling and had the function of chief of staff. He was previously an instructor and sergeant-major in the Swiss Guard.

On 7 February 2015 he was named 35th commandant of the Swiss Guard by Pope Francis. As commandant he has complete charge of the Guard. He is especially responsible for the recruitment of the Guard and the observation of rules and the availability of superiors. He is also responsible for the development and discipline of the corps.

Vice-Commander – Loïc Marc Rossier

Lieutenant Colonel Loïc Marc Rossier was born on 23 August 1990 and comes from Sitten (VS). He is married.

Loïc Marc Rossier served in the Guard as a halbardier/guardsman from 2012 to 2014. After this time in the Guard he continued a career in the security section; first with the Swiss Army as a commissioned officer, then in private security, and finally with the Cantonal Police of Vaud, where he obtained the Federal Police Officer's Certificate and served in the function of a Criminal Police Inspector.

As Vice-Commander, he is the immediate associate of the Commander and assumes command in his absence. He acts as Chief of Staff, manages the disciplinary system, and accompanies the Pope as Personal Protector in the Vatican, Italy, and on Apostolic Journeys.

Chaplain – P. Kolumban Reichlin OSB

Chaplain Kolumban Reichlin was born 02 March 1971 and comes from Steinerberg (SZ).

Kolumban Reichlin graduated from high school in Schwyz and entered the monastery in Einsiedeln in 1991. After studying theology in Einsiedeln and in St. Meinrad (USA), he was ordained a priest in Einsiedeln in 1997. He then studied history and liturgical science in Berne, Fribourg and Rome. From 2009 to 2020 he was provost of the provostry of St. Gerold in Vorarlberg (Austria), which belongs to the abbey of Einsiedeln.

As chaplain to the Swiss Guard he celebrates the sacrament and gives spiritual support to the guards and their families. He is also responsible for organizing the cultural activities.

Major – Dominik Tännler

Major Dominik Tännler was born on 07 February 1976 and comes from Hasliberg (BE). He is married.

Dominik Tännler has been serving in the Pontifical Swiss Guard since February 1998. Before being appointed Major, he led the 3rd Squadron as a Lieutenant.

As Head of Security, he is responsible for planning services, commitments and the Corps' Information & Documentation Centre.

Captain I – Christian Kühne

Captain Christian Kühne was born on 23 March 1983 and comes from Pfäfers-Vasön (SG). He is married.

Christian Kühne has been a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard since February 2006. Before being appointed Captain, he served as Sergeant-Major.

He is responsible for personnel, communication and marketing.

Captain II – Lorenz Keusch

Captain Lorenz Keusch was born on 19 June 1979 and comes from Boswil (AG). He is married and has two children.

Lorenz Keusch has been a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard since June 2000. He was responsible for the kitchen for several years.

He leads as being material officer and head of the main barracks, the armoury and the canteen. He is also responsible for command support.

Lieutenant – Heinz Eggli

Lieutenant Heinz Eggli was born on 29 January 1980 and comes from Laufen-Uhwiesen ZH. He is married and has two children.

Heinz Eggli has been a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard since November 2002. He was for a long time Instructor.

As lieutenant he leads the 2nd Squadron.

Lieutenant – Anton Kappler

Lieutenant Anton Kappler was born on 16 August 1979 and comes from Wattwil (SG).

Anton Kappler has been a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard since February 2001. For many years he was in charge of the armory. Also, before being commissioned as a Lieutenant, he served as a Squadron Sergeant in the first squadron.

As Lieutenant he leads the 3rd Squadron.

Lieutenant – Simone Granata

Lieutenant Simone Granata was born on 02 September 1984 and comes from Collina d'Oro Montagnola (TI). He is married and father of a daughter.

Simone Granata has been a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard since February 2007. Before being appointed Lieutenant, he served as Squadron Sergeant in the second squadron and as Corps Shooting Instructor.

As Lieutenant he leads the 1st Squadron.

Sergeant-major – Guillaume Favre

Sergeant-major Guillame Favre was born on 30 November 1987 and comes from Saint-Barthélemy (VD). He is married and father of one child.

Guillaume Favre has been a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard since February 2009. Before being promoted to the rank of sergenat-major, he was the Corps Instructor.

As sergeant-major, he is part of the Military Staff and is responsible for training, oath ceremony and sport. During official ceremonies, the sergeant-major carries the Corps flag (oath ceremony) respectfully to the Vatican flag (blessing "Urbi et Orbi" at Easter and Christmas).