23 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard swore allegiance to the pope on May 6.
That same morning, Pope Francis met with their families, who had traveled to Rome to witness this celebration.
POPE FRANCIS
I like to think that the decision to place some years of your life at the disposal of the Pope and the Holy See is not unrelated to the personal journey of faith.
Dear Swiss Guards, do not forget that the Lord walks with you, is always by your side both in good times and in hard times.
The swearing-in ceremony is held every May 6 to commemorate the anniversary of the Sack of Rome. During that battle, the Swiss Guards defended Pope Clement VII against the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V's army in 1527.
PA
TR: KG