Vatican City: The echo of solemn vows and the sound of drums filled the San Damaso Courtyard on Saturday as 27 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard took their sacred oath to protect the Pope and serve the Holy See with loyalty and devotion. The courtyard, adorned with the vibrant flags of the Swiss Cantons, provided a colourful yet reverent backdrop to one of the Vatican’s most time-honoured traditions an oath ceremony that unites centuries of history with living faith.
What made this year’s ceremony especially historic was the personal presence of Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time since Pope Paul VI that a pontiff attended the swearing-in in person.
Family members, diplomats, clergy, and military officials gathered alongside the President of the Swiss Confederation to witness the recruits pledge their lives to the service of the Successor of Peter. For the young guards, clad in their iconic blue, red, and yellow Renaissance uniforms, this was more than a formal commitment it was a spiritual and patriotic offering.
“We are proud of you,” declared the Swiss Guard chaplain, addressing the recruits. “You have responded to a noble call, one that demands courage, faith, and sacrifice.”
He then recited the traditional oath, an unbroken ritual since 1506, when the Swiss Guards first arrived in Rome to defend Pope Julius II:
“I swear to serve faithfully, loyally, and honorably the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIV and his legitimate successors, and to dedicate myself to them with all my strength, even sacrificing my life if necessary for their defense. I also assume these obligations toward the College of Cardinals during the time of a vacant See. I furthermore promise respect, loyalty, and obedience to the Commander and my other superiors. I swear it. So help me God and our Holy Patrons.”
As each name was called by the sergeant major, the recruits stepped forward, placed their hand on the flag of the Corps, and pronounced the solemn words of allegiance a gesture symbolizing the fusion of service, fidelity, and faith.
The Vatican and Swiss national anthems followed, played by the Swiss Guard band, which later concluded the ceremony with a brief concert that stirred both emotion and pride among those present.
In his address following the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV extended heartfelt thanks to the new guards and their families, calling the event “a beautiful and meaningful testimony to faith and duty.”
“To all of you who have made this oath today,” he said, “your gesture speaks to the world about values that often seem forgotten discipline, sacrifice, and the courage to live one’s faith. You remind us that true greatness lies in service and in the willingness to think of others before ourselves.”
The Pope also expressed his gratitude “above all, to God for the gift of life and faith,” and thanked the guards’ families for nurturing these values. “Your sons are not merely defenders of the Pope,” he said, “but witnesses of a faith that acts a faith that protects, serves, and inspires.”
Known as the world’s smallest army, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is composed of Catholic men from Switzerland who commit themselves to protecting the Pope with absolute fidelity. Each year, new recruits take their oath on May 6, commemorating the Sack of Rome in 1527, when 147 Swiss Guards gave their lives defending Pope Clement VII.
Today’s ceremony reaffirmed that legacy one rooted not in power, but in selfless duty and steadfast belief.
As the sun set over the Apostolic Palace, the bright plumes of the Swiss Guards glistened under the Vatican lights a reminder that even in the heart of modern Rome, the spirit of faith, courage, and disciplined service continues to stand guard beside the Chair of Peter.