As tradition dictates, the Pontifical Swiss Guard was sworn in on May 6. In the presence of Federal Councilor Viola Amherd, the 34 new recruits swore to serve and protect the Pope. Francis had previously advised them to “visit Rome” instead of staying on their cell phones.
It was in the Saint-Damase courtyard of the Vatican that the 34 soldiers entered to the sound of trumpets to swear loyalty to the pope. With the help of elders, the young recruits had previously donned armor that weighs around 15 kilos.
The guards have sworn to protect and defend the pope and all his successors, at the risk of their lives. Sixteen of them pronounced the traditional formula in French, sixteen in German and two in Italian.
“It’s the first time I’ve left the house,” says Gaël Favre. The 21-year-old from Fribourg, a carpenter by profession, considers that he serves “one of the noblest causes” within the Church.
>> Listen to the testimony of new recruits:
The highest Swiss authorities present
A Swiss delegation was present, led by the President of the Confederation Viola Amherd, the President of the National Council Eric Nussbaumer and the President of the Council of States Eva Herzog.
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The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Swiss Army, Brigadier Jacques Frédéric Rüdin and the representative of the Bishops’ Conference, Mgr Felix Gmür of Basel, were also present. This year’s host canton, Basel-Landschaft, was represented by the president of the cantonal government Monica Gschwind.
“Fewer cell phones”
In the morning, Pope Francis took the time to meet the newcomers and urged them to “actively and intensely cultivate community life.”
It is better to use your free time (…) to visit Rome, for moments of fraternity
The sovereign pontiff noted that the habit is widespread among the new generation of spending their free time alone with their computer or mobile phone. He therefore encouraged young men to “go against the grain”.
“It is better to use your free time for common activities, to visit Rome, for moments of fraternity where we can discuss and share,” declared the sovereign pontiff.
The Pope also welcomed the new barracks project, which will bring together the Swiss Guards and their families.
Jubilee 2025 on the horizon
After the solemn moment of this Monday, the new recruits will quickly be put to the test. There are only eight months left before the 135-man army, one of the smallest in the world, will see more than 30 million pilgrims disembark for the 2025 Jubilee.
Radio subject: Blandine Hugonnet
Web adaptation: doe with ats
