34 Swiss Guard cadets take the oath

The annual swearing-in ceremony commemorates the sack of Rome in 1527 by Emperor Charles V, when 147 guards were killed while protecting Pope Clement VII.

It emphasizes the danger of the profession. They may wear folkloric clothing during ceremonial services, but during the pope’s public appearances, the guards are actually responsible for his personal safety. They then replace the halberd with a GLOCK 19 Gen4 9mm pistol, taser, and pepper spray.

In addition to their mandatory military service, students receive training in self-defense and the use of firearms from the local police in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in Switzerland. After taking the oath, they remain in their positions for at least two years. To become a guard, you must be a Swiss citizen, Catholic, unmarried, male, and at least 5 feet 7 inches tall. It won’t make you rich. The guard earns approximately 1,400 euros per month plus room and board.

The pope’s safety remains a concern

There have been a number of incidents surrounding Pope Francis’ personal safety in the past month.

On April 10, before the general public on Wednesday, a man was arrested near St. Peter’s Square in possession of three 20cm knives. He turned out to be an American fugitive who had been described as “extremely violent” based on his convictions for robbery and kidnapping.

On May 5, a priest and a man from the Czech Republic were arrested in St. Peter’s Square, a few hours before Pope Regina Kaili’s speech. They had a bag containing an air pistol, knives, a cutter, and a screwdriver.

Just last year, a man drove his car through security checkpoints into the San Damaso square of the Apostolic Palace. Swiss Guards stopped the car by puncturing the front tires and were then able to arrest the man.

sources: Matthew Santucci/CNA (English), adaptation and translation of Kerknet – Catholic (German) – Catholic Herald (English) – Catholic Herald (English)