Swiss, Catholic and single, but he was born in India

The first non-white was sworn in yesterday to the Swiss Guard, who have protected Popes for almost 500 years, in a move apparently aimed at mending the corps' tarnished image.

Indian-born Dhani Bachmann, who was adopted as a baby by a Swiss couple, pledged his allegiance, along with 32 other recruits, all clad in the stripey blue, yellow and red uniform that is little changed since the Renaissance.

Only Swiss, single, beardless men can join the 110-strong unit.

The guard marched in to drums before taking their oath in their 16th century-style breastplates.

"Many adventures await you," Commander Elmar Mader told the newcomers during the ceremony in a Vatican courtyard.