The 38 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard solemnly entered the Courtyard of St. Damaso to swear their loyalty to the pope and his successors.
This year, the ceremony was much more intimate than usual, as only recruits' family members participated. This year, the soldiers took the oath before Venezuelan archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute at the Secretariat of State, who was representing the pope.
This ceremony is usually held on May 6, in memory of the 147 soldiers who gave their lives protecting Pope Clement VII. This year, the pandemic obligated them to change the date.
One by one, the soldiers' names were called. Each went up to the flag with the pope's insignia and took the oath out loud.
“I swear to faithfully, loyally and honorably serve the reigning pontiff and his legitimate successors, to dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing, if necessary, even my life in their defense.
I assume the same duties toward the College of Cardinals during the Apostolic See's absence. I promise also to the Commander and other superiors respect, loyalty and obedience. This I swear. May God and our patron saints assist me.”
The chaplain of the Swiss Guard asked them to live this time of service to the pope with a profound sense of friendship and fraternity.
THOMAS WIDMER
Chaplain of the Swiss Guard
“When you think about your uniform, think about friendship, and when you wear it, thank God for the friendships you build, and pray that they can continue to grow. Friendship grows through concrete acts of charity, availability and listening.”
The Swiss Guard has been protecting pontiffs for more than 500 years. Pope Julius II selected them in 1506 for their reputation as courageous, noble and loyal men.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT
