A couple days after greeting Pope Francis with their family members, 32 new Swiss Guards were sworn into the Vatican army.
Following a uniform entrance to the beat of a drumline, the recruits were called forward to take the oath.
Holding up three fingers as a symbol of the Holy Trinity, each one intensely proclaimed his commitment to protecting the pope.
The Swiss Guards, who have been safeguarding the Vatican for more than 500 years, must have previous military experience and serve for at least two years.