Pope Leo XIV attends swearing-in of Swiss Guard, first for a pope in nearly 60 years

CNA Staff, Oct 4, 2025 / 13:05 pm

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday attended the swearing-in of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican, the first time a pope has attended the pomp-filled ceremony since the pontificate of Pope Paul VI in 1968.

The event took place in the Vatican's San Damaso Courtyard. The Holy Father was joined by a crowd of spectators watching as the 27 new members were sworn into the ranks of the papal guard.

The swearing-in ceremony, when the new guards promise to protect the pope, if necessary with their lives, was postponed from the traditional date of May 6 due to the conclave that saw Leo elected.

Pope Leo XIV observes the Swiss Guard during a swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV observes the Swiss Guard during a swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV observes the Swiss Guard during a swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

A Swiss Guard takes the swearing-in oath during a ceremony at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

The pope met the recruits and their families at the Apostolic Palace on Oct. 3, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

“From the first steps of my pontificate, dear Swiss Guards, I have been able to count on your faithful service,” the pope said on Oct. 3.

Swiss Guards stand at attention during a swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

“The successor of Peter can fulfill his mission in service to the Church and the world in the certainty that you are watching over his safety," he added.

He encouraged the new guards to draw inspiration from the stories of the first Christian martyrs in Rome to deepen their relationships with Jesus and to cultivate their interior lives “amid the frenzy of our society.”