Pope Francis received a warm welcome in the Clementine Hall from the 32 new members of the Swiss Guard, who hold the honor of protecting the Holy Father.
The pope gave a short address, welcoming them and reminding of the qualities they should demonstrate.
POPE FRANCIS
“Living the Catholic faith coherently; maintaining a friendship with Jesus and love for the Church; being joyful and diligent in the great as well as the small and humble daily tasks; courage and patience, generosity and solidarity with everyone.”
As they'll take oath on Sunday, May 6, the Guards were joined by family members, whom Pope Francis greeted one-by-one. Some mothers were visibly moved by the experience.
Among other requirements, potential candidates must be Swiss, Catholic, under the age of 30 and have previous military experience.
As they control access to the Vatican and are ever-present at large encounters, the Swiss Guards have been called the Holy Father's “visiting card.”
TANGUY ACKERMANN
“For me, it's a great honor to serve the pope. FLASH For us Swiss, it's a good duty.”
LUCA MANCARELLA
“It's an act one does pledging to obey, to protect, to do whatever they ask of us for the protection of the Holy Father. The act of being sworn in and pledging allegiance with sincerity is a very special feeling.”
The Swiss Guard has been safeguarding the Vatican for more than 500 years. Pope Julius II selected the mercenaries in 1506 due to their reputation of being courageous, noble and loyal.
The novelty this year is a new-and-improved helmet. Made of PVC and 3D-printed, it's lighter and will keep the Guards cooler on duty.
