The Vatican’s Pontifical Swiss Guard has sworn in 28 new members, who pledged loyalty to Pope Leo XIV during a ceremonial oath-taking on Wednesday.
The new guards vowed to serve the pontiff “faithfully, loyally and honourably,” formally joining the elite corps responsible for the pope’s protection.
The ceremony coincided with a significant anniversary for the guard: exactly 500 years ago, on May 6, 1527, 147 Swiss Guards were killed while defending pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded in 1506 by pope Julius II, who is said to have recruited Swiss mercenaries for their reputation for bravery and loyalty. Today, the all-Swiss force serves as the pope’s personal bodyguard and is also responsible for guarding entrances to Vatican City.
Strict requirements apply for those seeking to join the guard. Recruits must be male, Catholic and unmarried, no older than 30, at least 1.74 metres tall, and have completed Swiss military training.
During their minimum 26-month service, members of the guard hold Vatican citizenship.
