In a momentous chapter for Vatican tradition, Pope Leo XIV made history this weekend by attending the swearing-in of 27 new members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard—a spectacle not witnessed by a reigning pope in nearly six decades. The ceremony, resplendent with centuries-old rituals and vibrant uniforms, unfolded on October 4, 2025, in the Vatican’s San Damaso Courtyard, drawing a crowd of dignitaries, families, and curious onlookers alike. For the Swiss Guard, the world’s oldest standing army, this year’s induction was more than a rite of passage; it was a poignant affirmation of loyalty and unity in a rapidly changing world.
The lead-up to the ceremony began a day earlier, when Pope Leo XIV welcomed the new recruits and their families in the Clementine Hall at the Apostolic Palace. According to Catholic News Service, the Pope emphasized the enduring importance of benevolence, honesty, solidarity, and mutual respect. "Alone, you would not be able to realize your potential fully. You need one another in order to learn, to progress, to serve in a world increasingly tempted by division and isolation," he told them, echoing a message that seemed as relevant for the Church as it is for the broader global community.
The swearing-in, which traditionally takes place on May 6 to commemorate the 1527 Sack of Rome—when 147 Swiss Guards lost their lives defending Pope Clement VII—was postponed this year. The delay came in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on April 21 and the subsequent election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8. The only other time the ceremony was moved to October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, was during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the exceptional nature of this year’s events.
On the day of the ceremony, the Vatican’s San Damaso Courtyard was alive with the colorful pageantry that has become synonymous with the Swiss Guard. The new members, resplendent in their traditional blue, red, and yellow "gala uniforms," stood at attention as the Pope looked on—marking the first time since the pontificate of Pope Paul VI in 1968 that a reigning pope had graced the swearing-in with his presence. According to the Catholic News Agency, the event was charged with emotion as the new guards took their oath, vowing to protect the Pope, even if it meant sacrificing their own lives.
“From the first steps of my pontificate, dear Swiss Guards, I have been able to count on your faithful service,” Pope Leo XIV remarked during his meeting with the recruits, as reported by Catholic News Agency. “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.” His words resonated deeply, not only with the new guards but also with the assembled families who had traveled from Switzerland to witness their loved ones’ commitment.
The Pope’s message did not shy away from the challenges of the modern era. He acknowledged that today’s young generation faces a host of complex realities, including environmental issues, economic changes, social tensions, the digital revolution, and the rise of artificial intelligence. “They are environmental issues, economic changes, social tensions, the digital revolution, artificial intelligence, and other complex realities that require discernment and a sense of responsibility,” he said, according to Catholic News Service. Yet, he encouraged the new guards to draw strength from their faith and the example of early Christian martyrs, urging them to “deepen their relationships with Jesus and to cultivate their interior lives amid the frenzy of our society.”
For the Swiss Guard, service at the Vatican is more than a job—it’s a calling steeped in history and sacrifice. The annual swearing-in on May 6 serves as a solemn reminder of the 1527 Sack of Rome, when the guards’ legendary bravery saved the life of Pope Clement VII. This year, the significance of their oath was heightened by the presence of the new pontiff and the historical context of a Church in transition.
In addition to the spiritual and ceremonial aspects, the Swiss Guard also unveiled a new dark blue "representation uniform" for officers at a news conference on October 3. Designed by Lieutenant Colonel Loïc Marc Rossier, the updated attire is intended for formal occasions where officers officially represent the corps. The classic “gala uniform,” designed by Jules Repond in the early 1900s and inspired by the Medici family colors, remains unchanged for honor guard duty and papal ceremonies. As noted on the Swiss Guard’s official website, the more subdued blue “exercise uniform” continues to be worn for training, night duty, and at the Vatican’s business entrance, St. Anne’s Gate—where, as the website humorously puts it, “the colorful gala uniform would cause too much distraction for the motorists.”
Currently, more than 130 Swiss soldiers serve in the Pontifical Swiss Guard, tasked with guarding all entrances to Vatican City, protecting the Pope and his residence, and providing security and ceremonial services during liturgical events and state visits. Their presence at the Vatican is both a symbol of continuity and a testament to the enduring relationship between Switzerland and the Holy See.
During his remarks, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the new guards to remain faithful to the Gospel and to the fundamental values of their Christian faith. “Each person can be, for the other, a model with his words and conduct, with his charity and faith. And you can be a message of unity for all the Roman Curia,” he said, as reported by Catholic News Service. As the Church prepares to enter a Holy Year, the Pope urged the guards to act as “missionaries of hope for the people you meet,” adding, “may the flame of hope illuminate your life and give you the courage to dare and to contribute together to the civilization of love.”
The Swiss Guard’s role extends far beyond ceremonial duties. Their vigilance at the Vatican’s gates and their visible presence at papal events serve as a daily reminder of the Church’s resilience and the sacrifices made by those who serve it. The new recruits, many of whom hail from various regions of Switzerland, are called not only to protect but also to embody the ideals of unity, charity, and faith—values that Pope Leo XIV has identified as essential for navigating the complexities of the contemporary world.
As the Vatican looks to the future under new leadership, the swearing-in of the Swiss Guard stands as a powerful symbol of continuity and renewal. With their colorful uniforms, storied history, and unwavering commitment, the guards continue to capture the imagination of Catholics and non-Catholics alike. And, with the personal involvement of Pope Leo XIV, this year’s ceremony will be remembered not just for its pageantry, but for the message of hope and unity it sent to the world.
