On May 6th 1527, 147 Swiss Guards were massacred while defending Pope Clement
VII during the Sack of Rome. The Guards fought bravely alongside Roman troops against
mercenaries of Emperor Charles V. In that battle, most of the Guards lost their lives
on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica, but 42 survived. Their bravery ensured that Pope
Clement VII escaped to safety.
Today, the swearing-in ceremony of new recruits
to the papal guard is still held on May 6th to highlight the corps’ history.
Celebrations
began on Thursday evening with vespers at the church of Santa Maria in Campo Santo
near the Teutonic Cemetery within the Vatican walls. It was attended by Commander
of the Guard, Colonel Daniel Anrig, along with the new recruits and their families.
Early
on Friday morning – the day of the anniversary – Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone presided over a mass for the Guards and their families. During his
homily, Cardinal Bertone told them that their task is a great responsibility that
requires courage, generosity, humanity and loyalty.
Following the Mass, the
Guards convened at the Courtyard of Honour where Colonel Anrig placed a wreath at
the monument of the fallen guards. Then, Substitute for the Secretary of State Archbishop
Fernando Filoni awarded decorations to some of the member of the corps.
Speaking
to the Guards afterwards in the Clementine Hall, Pope Benedict XVI recalled the event
over 480 years ago when the 147 Swiss Guards gave their lives to defend the Pope.
Pope Benedict went on to compare that pillage to a contemporary, spiritual one.
“In
today’s social context,” the Pope said, “many young people are at risk of falling
into a progressive impoverishment of the soul, as they pursue superficial ideals and
perspectives which fill only material needs and desires.”
The Holy Father called
on the Guards to live in a spirit of genuine brotherhood, to help one another and
to lead an exemplary Christian life.
Later on Friday evening in the St Damasus
Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, 34 new Guards will be sworn in by Archbishop Filoni.