force level. Uniform Throughout most of its history the Palatine Guard wore a nineteenth-century uniform comprising a shako or kepi, dark blue tunic and light blue trousers. During World War II armed members of the Guard undertook patrols and guard duty in a practical field uniform consisting of grey overalls and red beret. Disbandment The corps, along with the Papal Gendarmerie and the Noble Guard, was abolished on 14 September 1970 by Pope Paul VI as part of the reforms of the Church following the Second Vatican Council. Before it stood down it was transformed into the Papal Honor Guard (Guardia d'Onore del Papa). Former guardsmen were invited to join a new group called the Saints Peter and Paul Association (), whose statutes were approved by the Pope on 24 April 1971. This civilian association supports charitable, educational, and religious programs in Rome. See also Swiss Guards Corsican Guard Noble Guard Papal Zouaves Papal Army Military of Vatican City Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City References Sources External links Saints Peter and Paul Association Sito Istituzionale: Associazione SS. Pietro e Paolo Former guards regiments Military units and formations established in 1850 Military units and formations disestablished in 1970 Military of the Papal States Military of Vatican City Papal States military personnel 1850 establishments in the Papal States 1970 disestablishments in Vatican City