Over the weekend, 40 new Swiss guards were sworn in at the Vatican in Rome. They swore to sacrifice their own lives to protect the life of the Pope if required. Pontifical Swiss Guards have served since 1506.
The new guards swore to “…faithfully, loyally and honorably serve the Supreme Pontiff Francis and his legitimate successors, and also dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing if necessary also my own life to defend them…”
Today, like thousands of predecessors since 1506, 40 new #Swiss guards swore a solemn oath to the Pope and joined the #SwissGuard! ???? pic.twitter.com/6Ehtp2sA8n
— House of Switzerland (@HofSwitzerland) May 6, 2017
In 1874 a revised Swiss Constitution banned foreign military service, officially ending a long history of Swiss mercenaries. The only exception to the ban was the Pontifical Swiss Guard stationed at the Vatican. The modern Papal Swiss Guard is both a ceremonial unit and a bodyguard.
A video posted by Tribune de Genève shows part of the ceremony.
This morning, #SwissPresident Doris Leuthard held discussions with Pope Francis during her official visit to the Holy See (Vatican). ???? pic.twitter.com/zkaFLYADVj
— House of Switzerland (@HofSwitzerland) May 6, 2017
Doris Leuthard, Switzerland’s current president, was present at the ceremony. She also met with Pope Francis.
More on this:
Swiss guard website (in English)
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