In a spectacle of tradition, color, and solemnity, the Vatican’s famed Swiss Guards welcomed 27 new members on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with a swearing-in ceremony presided over by Pope Leo XIV. The event, held in the historic San Damaso Courtyard at the Apostolic Palace, marked the first time in nearly six decades that a pope has attended and presided over this storied rite of passage for the world’s oldest standing army.
According to The Associated Press, the last time a pontiff attended the swearing-in of new Swiss Guards was in 1968, under Pope Paul VI. Since then, popes have typically delegated the ceremonial duties to high-ranking Vatican officials, making Pope Leo XIV’s presence a significant and symbolic gesture for both the Vatican and the Swiss Guard corps. The crowd, a mix of Vatican dignitaries, proud families, and curious onlookers, watched as the new recruits pledged to defend the pope—if necessary, with their very lives.
The ceremony’s timing this year was itself a departure from tradition. As reported by Catholic News Agency, the swearing-in, typically scheduled for May 6 to commemorate the 1527 Sack of Rome when 147 Swiss Guards lost their lives defending Pope Clement VII, was postponed due to the conclave that saw the election of Pope Leo XIV. The delay only heightened anticipation and reverence for the occasion, with the new pope’s attendance adding a layer of historical resonance.
The Swiss Guards, instantly recognizable by their striking Renaissance-era uniforms of blue, red, orange, and yellow, stood at attention in the courtyard, their halberds gleaming in the autumn sunlight. Each of the 27 cadets stepped forward to pronounce the solemn oath, a ritual unchanged for centuries. As cameras flashed and the Vatican’s own media captured the moment for posterity, the gravity of the occasion was palpable. The Associated Press described the scene: “Pontifical Swiss Guards prepare ahead of their swearing-in ceremony, at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.”
Commander Christoph Graf, the 35th leader of the Swiss Guards, reviewed the ranks alongside Pope Leo XIV. The pope’s participation was more than ceremonial; it was a nod to the enduring importance of the Swiss Guards in the life and security of the Vatican. The Guards’ mission—protecting the Holy Father—remains as vital today as it was when the corps was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II. The new recruits, hailing from Switzerland and steeped in the traditions of their forebears, pledged to uphold this legacy with honor and courage.
“The Swiss Guards, known for their colorful uniforms, pledged to defend the pope with their lives,” reported The Associated Press. This oath is not mere pageantry. Throughout history, the Swiss Guard has stood as a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice, most famously during the Sack of Rome, when nearly the entire corps perished in defense of the papacy. Their motto, “Acriter et Fideliter” (“Courageously and Faithfully”), is etched not just on banners but in the hearts of each recruit.
This year’s ceremony also served as a showcase for the Swiss Guard’s ongoing efforts to modernize and revitalize its image. According to The Associated Press, the corps is currently engaged in a publicity campaign, unveiling new uniforms and launching a fundraising initiative to renovate their centuries-old barracks. The campaign aims to ensure that the Swiss Guard remains an attractive vocation for young Swiss Catholics and that their living and working conditions reflect the dignity of their role.
The barracks renovation has become a pressing concern in recent years. The existing facilities, dating back to the 19th century, are showing their age. Plans for a major overhaul have been in the works, with the Vatican and Swiss authorities collaborating to secure the necessary funds. The fundraising campaign, part of the Swiss Guard’s broader outreach, is designed to rally support from both the Swiss public and the global Catholic community. The hope is that the improved barracks will not only enhance the daily lives of the Guards but also help attract new recruits in an era when military service is less common among young Europeans.
The new uniforms—while retaining the classic design elements that have made the Swiss Guards world-famous—incorporate modern materials and tailoring, offering improved comfort and durability. The Guards’ distinctive attire, often mistaken for a Michelangelo creation (though it was actually designed by Commandant Jules Repond in the early 20th century), remains a powerful visual symbol of the Vatican’s unique blend of tradition and pageantry.
The ceremony’s significance was not lost on the attendees. For many, Pope Leo XIV’s decision to preside was seen as a reaffirmation of the close bond between the papacy and its protectors. The presence of the Holy Father lent a sense of gravity and encouragement to the new Guards, reminding them—and the world—of the enduring relevance of their mission. As one Vatican official put it, “This is not just a ceremony; it is a living tradition, a testament to the faith and service that define the Swiss Guard.”
The Guards’ role extends beyond ceremonial duties. While they are often seen at papal audiences, state visits, and religious festivals, they also serve as the pope’s personal security detail, both at the Vatican and during his travels abroad. Their training is rigorous, encompassing not only military tactics but also languages, diplomacy, and first aid. In a world of ever-evolving security threats, the Swiss Guard has adapted, blending centuries-old customs with modern expertise.
Looking ahead, the Swiss Guard faces both challenges and opportunities. Recruiting young Swiss men willing to commit to this unique form of service remains a perennial concern, especially as societal attitudes toward military life shift. Yet, the corps’ enduring mystique, bolstered by events like Saturday’s ceremony, continues to inspire pride and fascination, both within Switzerland and beyond.
For the 27 new Guards who took their oaths on October 4, 2025, the day will be remembered as the beginning of a remarkable journey—one that connects them to a lineage stretching back more than five centuries. As Pope Leo XIV looked on, the message was clear: the Swiss Guard, with its blend of tradition, loyalty, and adaptability, remains an indispensable part of the Vatican’s story.
Saturday’s swearing-in was more than a display of pageantry; it was a vivid reminder that some traditions, even in a rapidly changing world, endure for good reason. The Swiss Guards, resplendent in their historic uniforms and buoyed by the presence of the pope, stepped forward to accept their charge—courageously and faithfully, as their predecessors have done for generations.
