President of the Confederation Viola Amherd attends the swearing-in ceremony of the Swiss Guards at the Vatican.Keystone
Made up of guards from all regions, the corps of pontifical Swiss guards, founded by Pope Julius II on January 22, 1506, is responsible for the protection of the pope and his residence.
Thirty-four new Swiss Guards were sworn in late Monday afternoon at the Vatican. The ceremony took place in the presence of an official Swiss delegation led by the President of the Confederation Viola Amherd.
Of the 34 recruits who joined the world’s smallest and oldest army, only two spoke the traditional formula in Italian, sixteen in German and sixteen in French. The guards swear to protect and defend the pope and all his successors, at the risk of their lives.
From all over Switzerland
The corps of pontifical Swiss guards, founded by Pope Julius II on January 22, 1506, is responsible for the protection of the pope and his residence. It has been headed since 2015 by Colonel Christoph Graf.
The group’s mission is to control access to the Vatican and the Apostolic Palace, to ensure order and representation during papal ceremonies and state receptions, and to protect the College of Cardinals during the sede vacante (vacation). of the apostolic see).
Made up of guards from all regions of Switzerland, most members come from the canton of Friborg (17), followed by the cantons of Valais (16) and Saint-Gall (13).
Always the May 6
Like every year, the swearing-in ceremony was held on May 6, the day of the commemoration of their resistance in defense of Pope Clement VII during the sack of Rome by the mercenary troops of Charles V (May 6, 1527). . There were 147 people who lost their lives.
In the morning, Pope Francis met with the new guards. He urged them to “actively and intensely cultivate community life.” The pontiff did not fail to mention the corps’ new barracks – a subject also discussed during last Saturday’s audience with President Viola Amherd.
The barracks are “currently in the planning stages,” he said. It “is expected to make an important contribution to the reunification of guards and their families, who are currently forced to live somewhat dispersed due to lack of space.” (ats/jch)
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