Swiss Papal Guard recruits Oath
On May 6 of each year, on the anniversary of the sack of Rome in 1527, the new recruits solemnly take their oath in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. This is probably the most important day in the life of a guard as it presupposes courage, loyalty proof of complete devotion and loyalty that binds for life.
Swearing-in 2022
The solemn oath ceremony of 36 Guards of the Pontifical Swiss Guard will take place, according to tradition, on May 6, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Vatican, in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. The ceremony will be attended exclusively by the parents, brothers and sisters of the Guards who will take the Oath, families of married Guards and representatives of Switzerland.
The Swiss authorities will be represented by the President of the Federal Council, Mr. Ignazio Cassis, the President of the National Council, Irène Kälin and the President of the Council of States, Thomas Hefti. The Swiss Army will be represented by Brigadier Marcel Amstutz, Chief of Staff of the Education Command. The Conference of Swiss Bishops will be represented by its President H.E. Mgr. Felix Gmür, Bishop of Basel and Rev. Father Urban Federer, Abbot of the Monastery of Einsiedeln. The delegation of the canton of Nidwalden, this year’s host canton, is led by the cantonal government, headed by Mrs. Landammann Karin Kayser-Frutschi. It will be possible to watch the Oath of Office in streaming on the official website of the Pontifical Swiss Guard: www.guardiasvizzera.ch.
A bit of history
On May 6, 1527, the Eternal City was attacked by the Lansquenets (German mercenary soldiers) and Spanish mercenaries of Emperor Charles V. This historical event is known as the “Sack of Rome”. During the sacking, only 42 of the 189 Papal Swiss Guards survived the massacre in an attempt to resist the assault. They managed, however, to bring Pope Clement VII to safety in Castel Sant’Angelo, passing through a secret passage, called “Passetto”. In memory of this historical event, the annual Oath of the new recruits is held on May 6. In addition to the families of the guards who take the Oath, important representatives of politics and the Church are also present at the ceremony.
Swearing-in Formula (read by the Chaplain)
“I swear to serve faithfully, loyally and honorably the reigning Pontiff and his legitimate successors, to devote myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing, if necessary, even my life in their defense.I assume the same duties towards the College of Cardinals during the vacancy of the Apostolic See. I also promise the Commander and the other Superiors respect, fidelity and obedience. Thus I swear, may God and our Holy Patrons assist me.”
Response of the guards to the flag
“I, Halberdier …, swear to faithfully, loyally and honorably observe all that is read to me at this time. May God and our Holy Patrons assist me!”
Origin and Tasks of the Swiss Guard
The Pontifical Swiss Guard (in Latin Pontificia Cohors Helvetica or Cohors Pedestris Helvetiorum a Sacra Custodia Pontificis, in German Päpstliche Schweizergarde, in French, Garde suisse pontificale, in italian Guardia svizzera pontificia) is an armed corps for the protection of the Pontiff and his residence, created on January 22, 1506 by Pope Julius II. It is the only corps of Swiss Guards still operational and is the oldest permanent corps in the world to have been in service for over five centuries without interruption. It serves at the Vatican City, but also during the Pope’s travels together with security agents.
Since the assassination attempt on John Paul II in 1981, the Swiss Guard has been oriented from its traditional role much conditioned by ceremonial to a more active role in defending the person of the pope.
Recruits in this corps must necessarily be Swiss citizens from birth, unmarried, Catholic, male between the ages of 19 and 30, and must have trained with the Swiss Army.
The main tasks of the guards:
- Protect the Holy Father and his residence
- Accompany the Holy Father during his apostolic journeys
- Control the official entrances to Vatican City
- Perform services of order and honor
- Protect the College of Cardinals when the Apostolic See is vacant
It is currently led by Colonel Christoph Graf (LU) who is in charge of guarding the entrances to the Vatican, the Apostolic Palace, performing services of order and honor during papal ceremonies and state receptions, and guarding the College of Cardinals during the Sede Vacante. The corps includes guards from all parts of Switzerland. Most of them come from the canton of Lucerne (19), followed by the cantons of St. Gallen (14) and Valais (13).
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Uniforms
The gala uniform, probably the most famous uniform in the world, owes its existence to Commander Jules Repond (1910-1921). The blue, red and yellow colors are characteristic of the House of Medici. The blue and yellow bands interrupt the red of the sleeves and pants with a fluid movement. After extensive research and on the basis of Raphael’s frescoes, at the beginning of the 20th century the hat was replaced by the current beret, on which the rank can be distinguished. Later, the collar of the uniform was also modified: the current simple white one replaced the pleated ruff.
The guards wear white gloves when they are on duty, black helmets for the service of honour during papal ceremonies and the ancient and venerable weapon of the mercenaries, the halberd, for state receptions.
At Easter, Christmas and during the Oath of Office the guards wear a 17th century cuirass over their gala uniform, complemented by white gloves and a white collar. Completing the halberdiers’ outfit is a silver helmet with a red feather. In contrast, the officers below the armor wear the red gala uniform, white gloves and collar, and a silver helmet with a dark purple feather. The Commander and the Sergeant Major wear a white feather. On either side of the helmet is an embossed oak tree from the Della Rovere coat of arms, the family of Pope Julius II, founder of the Guard.
The drill uniform, worn by the guards during training and night duty, is completely blue. For practical reasons, the guards at the entrance to St. Anna’s wear this uniform during the week as well. This uniform is also complemented by a white collar and cuffs.
The black representation uniform, is worn by officers invited to officially represent the Corps at gala events as the delicate, velvety red gala uniform, is not deemed appropriate.
Guards with drums wear a yellow-black uniform with a black helmet adorned with yellow-black feathers.
The Mantle is used in winter and rainy weather to protect against bad weather.
The Training Uniform is worn during training and deployments and to take part in the increasing supply of training in the field of security.
Source: https://schweizergarde.ch/paepstliche-schweizergarde/it/chi-siamo/giuramento/