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3h ago

Pope Leo XIV Presides Over Swiss Guard Oath, First Time Since 1968

The rare papal appearance highlights recruiting strains alongside plans to renovate the Guard’s barracks.

Pope Leo XIV, flanked by Pontifical Swiss Guard's 35th Commander Christoph Graf, right, attends the swering in ceremony of 27 Pontifical Swiss Guards cadets in the St. Damasus courtyard at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV attends the swearing in ceremony of 27 Pontifical Swiss Guards cadets in the St. Damasus Courtyard at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pontifical Swiss Guard's 35th Commander Christoph Graf, left, review 27 Pontifical Swiss Guards cadets during their swearing in ceremony in the St. Damasus courtyard at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV is greeted by Pontifical Swiss Guard's 35th Commander Christoph Graf, left, upon his arrival to the swearing in ceremony of 27 Pontifical Swiss Guards cadets in the St. Damasus courtyard at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Overview

  • The Vatican swore in 27 new Swiss Guards in the San Damaso Courtyard, where recruits pledged to defend the pope even at the cost of their lives.
  • Col. Christoph Graf noted it was the first time since 1968 that a pope personally presided over the ceremony.
  • Pope Leo XIV thanked the guards and praised discipline, sacrifice, and lived faith as a powerful witness for young people.
  • Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter joined clergy, officials, families, and former guards at the ceremony, which featured the corps in restored gala uniforms.
  • Guard officials said recruiting remains challenging due to strict criteria and service demands, as the corps promotes new formal attire and prepares a fundraising push to upgrade cramped barracks.