“...the guard’s role is largely ceremonial and many of its members still carry around a medieval weapon — the halberd, which is a combination of spear and battle axe.”
Medieval? Yes.
Ceremonial? No.
Those suckers are sharp and the Swiss Guard practice with them.
... and yes, those Halberds would give someone a fearsome choppin'. You get poleaxed a good one, and that's it brother. Emergency room staff wouldn't even know where to start if you somehow survived.
They are much more of a deterrent than a nightstick and pepper spray.
Plus the Swiss Guard also have pistols and SG 550 assault rifles, and every member has military training.