 Though, like various European powers, earlier popes recruited Swiss mercenaries as part of an army, the Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded by Pope Julius II on 22 January 1506 as the personal bodyguards of the pope and continues to fulfill that function.It is listed in the "Annuario Pontificio" under "Holy See", not under "State of Vatican City".At the end of 2005, the Guard had 134 members.