The Pontifical Swiss Guard has announced that its swearing-in ceremony, which takes place annually on May 6, has been postponed until the fall.
Newsroom (05/05/2025 11:18, Gaudium Press) The swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, initially scheduled for May 6, has been postponed to a date to be determined next autumn. The military body itself announced this in a press release, adding that “the new date will be communicated later”.
“In these days of grief and reflection, following the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis”, it continues, “the Pontifical Swiss Guard is fully focused on its mission and unites in prayer for his eternal rest”. Finally, thanks were addressed to “all those involved” “for their understanding and respect in this solemn moment”.
The annual swearing-in of new recruits traditionally takes place on the anniversary of the “sack of Rome” on 6 May 1527. On that occasion, while the city was being attacked by the Landsknechts, 189 Swiss Guards defended Clement VII: they managed to bring him to safety in Castel Sant’Angelo, but only 42 survived the massacre.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from L’Osservatore Romano
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