Pope Leo XIV honors 28 new Swiss Guard recruits, highlighting faith, service, and dedication during a Vatican swearing-in ceremony.
Newsroom (07/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV expressed “esteem and gratitude” to the Pontifical Swiss Guard as 28 new recruits formally swore their oath of allegiance during a ceremony held Wednesday in the Vatican’s audience hall.
The event marked a significant moment for the historic corps responsible for the personal protection of the Pope, drawing church and political dignitaries, including representatives from Switzerland and the guest canton of Thurgau, as well as the families of the recruits.
Commander Christoph Graf opened the ceremony by underscoring the importance of Pope Leo XIV’s presence, describing it as a meaningful sign of closeness to the Guard. He also used the occasion to reflect on the deeper meaning of “service,” challenging modern perceptions that often dismiss it as limiting or degrading.
Graf argued instead that service lies at the heart of human fulfillment. “It is only by using our talents for others that we truly fulfil ourselves,” he said, presenting service not as a burden but as a path to personal growth. Drawing on the example of Jesus Christ, he emphasized humility and responsibility, warning against arrogance and the misuse of authority.
For the Swiss Guards, this commitment translates into unwavering support for the Pope, ensuring he can carry out his ministry as successor to the Apostle Peter without obstruction.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV greeted political and military representatives, including the President of the Swiss Confederation, and extended thanks to the families of the recruits. He described the oath as a reflection of youthful enthusiasm, rooted in faith in God and love for the Church.
The following day, the Pope met with the guards and their families, again expressing gratitude to Switzerland and highlighting the pride associated with the corps. He praised the Guards’ “humble and discreet service,” noting that shared experiences—both joyful and challenging—help shape a strong sense of honor and duty.
Positioned near the tombs of the Apostles, the Guards are offered a unique spiritual environment, the Pope said, one that encourages reflection and prayer. While their role is primarily military, he emphasized that they are equally called to holiness.
“I am therefore convinced that your decision to dedicate several years of your lives to the service of the Pope and the Holy See forms part of a personal journey of faith,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV also encouraged the Guards to embrace their daily interactions with pilgrims and visitors as opportunities to live out Gospel values, recalling the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
He highlighted even the quieter aspects of their duties, such as night shifts, as moments for personal reflection and prayer, recommending devotion to their patron, St. Nicholas of Flüe.
Life within the barracks, he added, offers a unique setting to cultivate virtues such as generosity, humility, and solidarity. These qualities, he said, foster harmony within the Guard and extend outward to all they encounter.
Concluding his remarks, the Pope renewed his gratitude and entrusted the Swiss Guards to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and their patron saints, encouraging them to persevere in what he described as a demanding but deeply rewarding vocation.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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