Pope blesses Swiss Guard recruits

Victor Vladimirov – Vatican City

In his handling The Bishop of Rome noted that since the establishment of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, “many young people have faithfully performed the unique mission that the Corps continues to carry out today.” Some guardsmen even sacrificed their lives to protect the Pope. Although the functions of the Swiss Guard are military in nature, they are a special service to the Bishop of Rome and the Apostolic See for the good of the whole Church, and this is a reason for deep gratitude, the Pope said:

“Sometimes the Lord calls some of you to follow Him along the path of the priesthood or a God-ordained life, finding fertile soil cultivated precisely during your service in the Guard. Others follow a conjugal calling and start a family of their own. Together with you, I thank the Lord, the source of all blessings, for the various gifts and callings that He entrusts to you, and I pray that those who are now starting the ministry will fully respond to the call of Christ, following Him with faithful generosity. “

Pope Francis expressed gratitude to all members of the Swiss Guard for their conscientious service, praising their ability to combine professional and spiritual qualities, their dedication and loyalty to the Apostolic See. Pilgrims and tourists have the opportunity to be convinced of the courtesy and helpfulness of the guards guarding the entrances to the Vatican. The Pope hopes that recruits can have a fruitful spiritual and human experience both at the Vatican and in the city of Rome:

“May these years that you spend here become an occasion for deepening your faith and love for the Church. I accompany you with prayer and thank you for your decision to place several years of your life at the disposal of the Successor of Peter. You too, please pray for me. “

At the end of the meeting, the Holy Father from the bottom of his heart congratulated the recruits and gave the apostolic blessing to the entire corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.