This is a Sabaton about the past, but it perfectly reflects what we are going through today with the Russian of Ukraine .
"The Last Stand" tells the story of the Swiss Guard during the Sack of Rome in 1527, carried out by the Holy Roman Empire . The Swiss Guard , also known as the Vatican Army , has the primary function of protecting the Pope, and that is what these brave soldiers did.
Quite similar to what Ukrainian citizens are doing, giving their lives and all their honor to save their country.
"In the heart of the Holy See,
in the house of Christianity,
the seat of power is in danger."
During the war between France and the Holy Roman Empire , Pope Clement VII declared his support for the French side.
"There is an enemy with a thousand swords." As soon as the Holy Roman Empire defeated France , more than a thousand soldiers went after the Pope for a "settling of accounts." They invaded Rome without any scruples, killing women and children, looting and destroying everything around them.
"So, the 189
in service to Heaven
, they are protecting the sacred line.
It was 1527. They gave their lives on the steps to Heaven.
Thy will be done!"
But they wouldn't have an easy time, because the Vatican Army had exactly 189 soldiers willing to give their lives to save the Pope.
"Under the guard of 42,
along the secret avenue,
Castel Saint-Angelo awaits."
And that's what happened: 147 soldiers remained on the front line fighting against the more than one thousand soldiers of the Holy Roman Empire , while 42 Vatican soldiers escorted the Pope safely to Castel Sant'Angelo (which was a true fortress, sheltering the Pope in case of invasion or war).
“To die for salvation with dedication […]
Heaven is their destiny […]
In the name of His glory
, through faith, by the way of the sword […]
They bravely gave their lives”
All the soldiers died, but they fulfilled their mission of protecting the Pope, and to this day the 189 soldiers of the Swiss Guard are remembered annually by the Vatican .
Just as every Ukrainian citizen will likely be remembered for their courage amidst the chaos we have been experiencing these past few days.
READ ALSO: Five Finger Death Punch and the drama experienced by all war veterans
