Edited by Anna Popper
Few ceremonies worldwide unite history, faith, military tradition, and personal sacrifice as powerfully as the annual swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guard on 6 May.
This year, we once again had the privilege of attending this extraordinary event at the Vatican, thanks to the kind invitation of Sir Antonio La Salandra, the only foreigner – an Italian – to have served for 15 years as a martial arts and security instructor for the members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Through his highly specialised training programmes, he made a unique contribution to the professional development of the Guards responsible for the safety and protection of the Holy Father.
Having served during the pontificates of three Popes, Antonio La Salandra has earned the respect of the Vatican community through his professionalism and dedication. Most recently, he and his family were received by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in a private audience, a recognition expressing the esteem in which his longstanding service is held.
His professional motto – Professionalism. Precision. Coordination. Operational Readiness. – perfectly reflects the values he instils in those entrusted with one of the world’s most prestigious security missions.
Ceremony in the Paul VI Audience Hall
The 2026 ceremony was a particularly memorable event due to the presence of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. While the swearing-in traditionally takes place in the magnificent Courtyard of St. Damasus,
the rainy weather in Rome required organisers to move the ceremony to the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall. Although the venue changed, the solemnity and emotional impact remained entirely intact.
Families of the recruits, cardinals, bishops, diplomats, representatives of the Swiss Confederation led by President Guy Parmelin, military officials, and guests from around the world gathered to witness one of the most significant moments in the young recruits’ lives. The Guest Canton for 2026 was Thurgau, while the flags of Switzerland’s 26 cantons created a colourful backdrop to the ceremony.
The Arrival of Pope Leo XIV
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments was the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, who entered the hall to prolonged applause and took his seat in the front row. The Holy Father attaches great importance to the Swiss Guard and the men entrusted with protecting the successor of Saint Peter.
His presence carried particular significance, as Popes have not always attended the public swearing-in ceremony. Pope Leo XIV’s participation reflected his close relationship with the corps and his appreciation for their faithful and discreet service.
A Tradition Over Five Centuries Old
The ceremony began with the sound of Swiss Guard trumpeters before the guards marched in perfect formation to the beat of drums and commands given in German.
In their magnificent Grand Gala uniforms of blue, red and yellow, complemented by ceremonial breastplates and traditional weapons, the Guards presented one of the world’s most recognisable military spectacles. Every movement reflected over five centuries of discipline, honour and tradition.
Before the oath, Commander Christoph Graf reminded the recruits that true leadership is based on service rather than power. Protecting the Holy Father, he said, is not simply a military duty but a vocation rooted in faith, responsibility, and personal commitment.
28 New Guards Take the Oath
The emotional climax came as the 28 recruits stepped forward one by one to swear their oath before Pope Leo XIV.
Each recruit placed his left hand on the flag of the Pontifical Swiss Guard while raising three fingers of his right hand, symbolising the Holy Trinity. They pledged to serve the reigning Pope and his legitimate successors faithfully, loyally and honourably, promising obedience to their commanders and, if necessary, to defend the Holy Father with their own lives.
For every Swiss Guard, this moment is far more than a ceremony. It marks their entry into a centuries-old brotherhood founded on honour, courage, loyalty and faith – a commitment the Guards themselves describe simply: “Once a Swiss Guard, always a Swiss Guard.”
The emotion was palpable not only among the recruits but also among their families, who had travelled from Switzerland to witness this unforgettable occasion.
Message from Pope Leo XIV to the New Swiss Guards
At the end of the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV greeted Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, the civil and military authorities, and the families arriving from Switzerland to observe this important milestone.
Turning to the 28 newly sworn-in Guards, the Holy Father expressed his gratitude for the commitment they had just undertaken: “At the end of this beautiful and touching ceremony, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all of you, beginning with the President of the Swiss Confederation and the other civil and military authorities.
With affection and gratitude, I greet the families of the Swiss Guards; thank you for coming! To you, dear young people, who have taken the Oath, I express my esteem and gratitude. The gesture you have made attests to a commitment of fidelity, inspired by youthful enthusiasm and founded on faith in God and love for the Church. I place it under the protection of the Virgin Mary, together with the entire precious service of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. I wish you all a pleasant evening and a happy celebration.”
The Holy Father then repeated his greetings in German, French and Italian, reflecting the multilingual tradition of Switzerland and the Swiss Guard.
His message highlighted that the Guards’ mission extends beyond protecting the Pope. They are also called to welcome pilgrims from around the world and to carry out their service with generosity, humility, fraternity and solidarity. For the new recruits, his words were both an encouragement and a reminder of the noble tradition they had just joined.
Why Swiss Guards Still Protect the Pope
The origins of the Pontifical Swiss Guard date back to 1506, when Pope Julius II recruited Swiss soldiers already renowned throughout Europe for their discipline, courage and loyalty. Their greatest sacrifice came during the Sack of Rome on 6 May 1527, when the troops of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V stormed the Eternal City. Of the 189 Swiss Guards who defended Pope Clement VII, 147 lost their lives while enabling his escape through the Passetto di Borgo to the safety of Castel Sant’Angelo. Their heroism became the defining moment in the history of the corps and explains why every new recruit takes oath on 6 May.
In 2026, when the Pontifical Swiss Guard celebrates 520 years of continuous service, the oath taken by 28 young men demonstrated that the values of loyalty, sacrifice and faith remain as relevant today as they were five centuries ago.
A Living Symbol of Loyalty
As the guests left the Paul VI Audience Hall, there was a shared sense that they had witnessed something extraordinary. The Pontifical Swiss Guard numbers only 134 men, yet its influence extends far beyond its size. The presence of Pope Leo XIV, the solemn oath of the recruits and the enduring traditions of the corps combined to create a ceremony that was both inspiring and deeply moving.
For the new Guards, this was not merely the beginning of military service but their entry into one of the world’s oldest and most respected military institutions – a living tradition built upon honour, faith and an unwavering dedication to protecting the successor of Saint Peter.
Each visit to Rome reminds us why the Eternal City continues to captivate the world. Here, history is not confined to museums or monuments – it lives through ceremonies such as this, where centuries-old traditions proceed to inspire new generations.
Author’s Note
Every return to Rome is a journey into living history. The accompanying photographs not only capture moments from the 2026 Swearing-in Ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, but also offer personal impressions of our stay in Rome, which I am delighted to share. Together, they reflect the enduring spirit of the Eternal City – a place where history, faith, art and tradition are woven into everyday life, and where every visit brings new inspiration.
I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Antonio La Salandra for his kind hospitality and highly esteemed friendship, which made our time in Rome even more memorable.
Sources: Vatican News, Vatican Media, Sir Antonio La Salandra
Photos from Vatican News, Vatican Media, Sir Antonio La Salandra, Anna Popper
