23 new Swiss Guards sworn in at the Vatican in Rome

On Saturday evening, 23 new Swiss Guards were sworn in at the Vatican in Rome. Vice President Viola Amherd attended the ceremony. She had previously been received by Pope Francis for an audience at the Vatican.

After the meeting with the pope, Amherd tweeted that Switzerland values ​​bilateral relations with the Vatican. The focus of the exchange with Pope Francis was mutual bilateral relations, the war in Ukraine, the Swiss Guard and also the concerns of Swiss Catholics. The meeting took place Saturday morning.

Also in the morning, the pope addressed the papal Swiss Guard. He renewed his gratitude for the generous cooperation he witnesses every day. «The Pontifical Swiss Guard is a big family, a lively and fraternal community. And as in any family, here you learn a lot for life. It is an environment of human and Christian formation for all,” the pope said.

Guardsmen from all regions of Switzerland

The 23 new Swiss Guards, coming from all language areas of Switzerland, took the oath at 6 p.m. They are part of the “oldest and smallest army in the world” and are responsible for protecting the Pope and the Vatican.

The swearing-in took place in a festive atmosphere, with family members from Switzerland also present. In addition to Vice-President Viola Amherd, the President of the National Council Martin Candinas (center/GR) and the President of the Council of States Brigitte Häberli-Koller (center/TG) also came from Switzerland.

Also present were the head of the Swiss army, Thomas Süssli, and the president of the Swiss Episcopal Conference, Felix Gmür, Bishop of Basel. This year’s delegation from the host canton of Aargau was led by Councilor Jean-Pierre Gallati (SVP).

In the morning, the Swiss Guard took part in a mass celebrated by Cardinal Kurt Koch in St. Peter’s Basilica. The day before, guards had laid a wreath in honor of the dead of May 6, 1527 in the church of Santa Maria della Pietà. The date commemorates the Sack of Rome (Sacco die Roma). 147 soldiers died that day defending Pope Clement VII. The swearing in of new Swiss Guards always takes place on May 6. The Swiss Guard was founded in 1506. (sda)