Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Five centuries after the foundation of the Corps, the spirit of faith remains unchanged which encourages young Swiss to leave their beautiful land to come and serve the Pope in the Vatican. The love for the Catholic Church remains the same, to which you bear witness, rather than with words, with your bodies which, thanks to the characteristic uniforms, are easily recognizable at the entrance to the Vatican and to pontifical audiences. Your historic uniforms speak to the pilgrims and tourists, from every part of the world, of your commitment to serve God by serving the 'servant of His servants.'” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI addressed the Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, whom he received in an audience on May 5, in honor of the oath of allegiance that will be taken by the new Swiss Guards, who were accompanied by their family members.
Addressing the new recruits, the Holy Father encouraged them, above all, to assimilate “this Christian and ecclesial spirit which is the foundation and the motor of all the activities you will undertake.” He continued: “Always cultivate prayer and spiritual life, also by taking advantage of the crucial presence of your chaplain. Be open, straightforward and loyal. Learn how to appreciate the differences of personality and character that exist among you, because under the uniform each one is a unique and irreplaceable person called by God to serve His Kingdom of love and peace. As you are aware, the Swiss Guard is also a school of life and during their period of service in the Vatican, many of your predecessors were able to discover their own vocation: to Christian marriage, to the priesthood, to consecrated life. This is a reason to praise God, but also to appreciate your Corps.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 6/5/2008; righe 22, parole 300)
