Column Chronicles: The Popes' bodyguards

The Popes' bodyguards

Frank Cotolo
April 30, 2026

A courageous job that it rarely applauded is that of the single man who protects The Pope. According to historian Elias Mechanic there were centuries of men whom single handedly kept a Catholic Pope from harm (and sometimes meals).

"The Vatican kept minor records on these fellas," said Mechanic. "I found facts on many of these brave guardians. They put their lives and others' lives in danger so a Pope could live long."

Mechanic - a British journalist who owns the only painting of Pope Nicholas II (1061) fly fishing - is releasing decades of study in hope of a movie deal. He mentions Pope Adrian IV's bodyguard who in 1159 killed 45 people - seven attempting to kill or injure or fondle the pontiff. "He was Ignus," Mechanic said, "and was a master of disguise. He could appear as a beggar, baker or candlestick maker. Sometimes as an object. Like a wheel barrel."

Mechanic mentioned Ringo, bodyguard of Popes John Paul I (1978) and John Paul II (1978). "Ringo picked up the pontiff with his index and middle fingers and saved his life many times. He was also a fine percussionist who loved bongos.

Mechanic also knows many secrets, too. "Citrus Migaldolonian," he said, "was responsible for saving the life of Pope Pius X. But I can say no more about him because that guy was vile and wrote dirty poems in six languages."

According to Mechanic's research there was always only one private bodyguard for a Pope "because two's a crowd. A standard set by Pope Adeodatus (672). That Pope was a loner and called his bodyguard Gus. Greek kid."

A streaming series is being written by Mechanic. "It may become the longest series ever," said Mechanic. "We hope it will run for 65 seasons or more so we don't miss any one bodyguard."

Frank Cotolo can be found hosting the talk and interview programme Cotolo Chronicles. You can send him an e-mail at this address: frank@148.ca.