The Vatican’s Swiss Guard may face continued delays in moving into new barracks as costs for the project have significantly increased, threatening to stall construction.
February 19, 2026, 9:04 PMFebruary 19, 2026, 9:04 PM
The foundation overseeing the project, the Papal Swiss Guard Barracks Foundation, acknowledged the rising costs on Wednesday, even as it announced it had received building permits from Vatican authorities.
However, the foundation also revealed that the project’s expenses have jumped from an initial estimate of 45 million Swiss francs to 70 million Swiss francs (approximately 76 million euros). Construction cannot begin until the additional funding is secured, leaving the future of the barracks uncertain.
Discussions about modernizing the Swiss Guard’s barracks have been ongoing for over a decade, driven by the need to replace the current, century-old accommodations. Guards have long complained about issues such as dampness, mold, outdated facilities, and a lack of private bathrooms. The situation became more pressing after Pope Francis approved an increase in the guard’s personnel to 135 members.
Plans for a nearly complete demolition and reconstruction of the existing barracks were developed, a complex undertaking given the location adjacent to the Apostolic Palace and the Vatican’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The project, presented in 2019, reportedly received high praise from the UNESCO committee.
The Swiss Guard in the Vatican.Image: KEYSTONE
Financing the project has proven to be the biggest hurdle. The Vatican had anticipated that Switzerland would cover the costs, leading to the establishment of the barracks foundation in 2016. The foundation initially raised the planned 45 million Swiss francs, including a contribution of 5 million Swiss francs from the Swiss federal government.
Securing contributions from individual cantons, however, has been more difficult. In the Catholic canton of Lucerne, a public vote rejected a 400,000 Swiss franc contribution by a margin of over 70 percent. Opponents, including Social Democrats, Freethinkers, and the Green Party, argued that the contribution was incompatible with the separation of church and state. Other cantons have also declined to contribute, forcing the foundation to launch a second fundraising campaign. The financial setbacks underscore the challenges of funding projects tied to the Vatican within the Swiss political landscape.
