Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the Pontifical Swiss Guard as 28 new recruits officially swore allegiance during a ceremony at the Vatican.
The solemn event, held in the Vatican’s audience hall, marked the formal entry of the recruits into the world’s oldest standing army, tasked with protecting the pope and safeguarding the Holy See.
Addressing the gathering, Pope Leo thanked the recruits and their families for their commitment and sacrifice, describing their oath as a reflection of loyalty rooted in faith and service.
According to the pontiff, the pledge taken by the young guards demonstrated “fidelity inspired by youthful enthusiasm, faith in God and love for the Church.”
Commander Christoph Graf also used the occasion to reflect on the meaning of service, warning against modern attitudes that view serving others as weakness or limitation.
Graf stressed that genuine service was central to human dignity, saying people truly fulfil themselves by using their talents for the good of others.
The commander noted that the guards’ mission extends beyond ceremonial duties, emphasising their responsibility to protect the pope and support his ministry.
During the oath ceremony, each recruit pledged loyalty to Pope Leo and his successors, promising to defend the pontiff “with all their strength,” even at the risk of their lives if necessary.
The annual swearing-in commemorates the sacrifice of Swiss Guards who died defending Pope Clement VII during the 1527 Sack of Rome, a defining moment in the corps’ history.
