Vatican May 06, 2013 - Pope Francis on Monday received in the Vatican, Swiss President,
Ueli Maurer, who later met Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Vatican
Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti. Maurer was in
Rome on the occasion of swearing in of the new Swiss Guards Monday evening. A Vatican
communique stated that during the cordial talks the Holy See and Switzerland expressed
appreciation for the commendable service of the Swiss Guards on the day new recruits
take their oath. The two sides expressed their desire to improve the already good
relations between them and intensify the collaboration between the Catholic Church
and Switzerland. They also discussed common issues such as safeguarding human rights,
the training of youth and international collaboration for the promotion of justice
and peace.