Pope Leo XIV to Attend Swiss Guard Swearing-In Ceremony for First Time Since 1968
Vatican city: Pope Leo XIV is set to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Swiss Guards this Saturday, marking the first time a pontiff will be present at the event since Pope Paul VI in 1968, as confirmed by sources within the Swiss Guard. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM in the Courtyard of St Damasus.
According to Ansa News Agency, Pope Leo XIV addressed the guards on Friday, highlighting the numerous challenges their generation faces, including environmental issues, economic change, social tensions, the digital revolution, artificial intelligence, and other complex realities. He emphasized the importance of discernment and responsibility in dealing with these issues. The Pope also encouraged the guards to remain faithful to the Gospel and uphold the fundamental values of their Christian faith. He urged them to be missionaries of hope during this Holy Year.
The Swiss Guards, known for their distinctive blue-and-orange Renaissance-style uniforms, traditionally take their oath of allegiance on May 6. This date commemorates the sacrifice of 147 guards who died during the Sack of Rome by Emperor Charles V in 1527. Only 42 guards survived the attack, successfully ensuring the escape of Pope Clement VII.
The elite corps was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II and is recruited from Swiss towns and villages. The Swiss Guards have a longstanding reputation as Europe’s most reliable mercenaries, a status they have maintained since the Middle Ages. Recruitment criteria are stringent, requiring candidates to be single males, at least 1.74 meters tall, practicing Catholics, and of stainless character, having completed compulsory military service in Switzerland. Guards sign on for a minimum commitment of two years.
While traditionally donning their iconic yellow, blue, and red uniforms, the guards are also trained in modern security techniques, including the use of firearms and other equipment. They undergo rigorous retraining regimens each month.
In recent years, the Swiss Guard has seen increased diversity within its ranks. In 2023, the Guards welcomed their second Filipino recruit, Sebastian Esai Eco, joining Swiss-Filipino Vincent Lu’. This follows the historic enlistment of the first black member, Indian-Swiss Dhani Bachmann, in 2002.