The Pope to the Swiss Guard: a commitment animated by “a spirit of faith and charity”

Alexandra Sirgant – Vatican City

An anniversary which coincides with the Jubilee. 25 years ago, the Foundation of the Swiss Guard pontifical was established to support the Swiss Guards serving in the Vatican City State. This Saturday, January 18, she celebrated her quarter century of existence with Pope Francis in the Clementine Room of the Apostolic Palace. Known around the world for its colorful uniforms, the world’s smallest army helps welcome the thousands of pilgrims who flock to the Vatican daily. A mission that requires a lot of patience, the Holy Father said with a smile, emphasizing the educational qualities of the military.

«Helping the Pontifical Swiss Guard means supporting the Successor of Peter in his ministry in the service of the universal Church“, explained the Pope who, thanking the guards for their “faithful service“, recommended that the foundation’s commitment be “always animated by a spirit of faith and charity».

The Holy Father then listed the ways in which the foundation helps the Swiss military: “firstly, it works in favor of families, particularly in the education and training of children in appropriate schools. This aspect has become all the more important as the number of married guards with children has increased, and the good of families is of primary importance to the Church and society.. Furthermore, François continued, “the foundation provides the means to ensure, improve and upgrade professionalism and working methods, equipment and infrastructure“. Finally, the foundation helps support the return of all those who return to Switzerland after their service at the Vatican.

«The cooperation between your foundation and the Pontifical Swiss Guard is an example because it shows that no entity can go it alone. We must all help and support each other, this applies to you as well as to communities and the Church as a whole» concluded François.