Swiss Guard prepares to swear in 34 new recruits

On May 6^th 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 6^th 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.

Listen to report by Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: