The swearing in of the Swiss Guard, annually takes place on May 6th. The new guards take their oath on the anniversary of the sack of Rome. On this day in 1527, 189 Swiss guards defended Pope Clement VII against German Landsknecht soldiers and Spanish mercenaries. Pope Clement VII and only 42 of the guards survived. Today, there are strict requirements on who can be a Swiss Guard. The guard must be a Swiss citizen, practicing Catholic and be between 19 and 30 years old. The recruit must be single and at least 5’8.5″ feet tall. They must be available for at least 26 months of service.
The History & Requirements of the Swiss Guard: the Oldest Standing Army
Pope Francis has expressed his desire to visit his native Argentina next year, stating that he has always wanted to return, but has requested not to be linked to the politics of his country, and the trip will take place after the presidential elections in October 2023.
Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today
Share
Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican
Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.
More news related to this article
Pope Francis: Vulnerability threatens the ‘culture of efficiency’
Sickness and vulnerability is scary because it is a threat to the culture of efficiency, Pope Francis
The EWTN Travel App – Your Mobile Guide to Rome & Beyond
Discover the beauty and history of Rome’s Catholic treasures with the EWTN Travel Jubilee App, your free, interactive guide for pilgrims and travelers.
Pope Leo XIV to supporters of migrants in U.S.: ‘You stand with me, and I stand with you’
Pope Leo XIV became “visibly emotional” upon receiving messages on Oct. 8 from immigrants fearing deportation in the
Pope Leo XIV: Where the world sees threats, the Church sees children
Celebrating Mass for the Jubilee of the Poor on the Ninth World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo
Patriarchates of Jerusalem: Forced evacuation of Gaza City is a ‘death sentence’
In a joint message released Aug. 26, the Latin and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem denounced the evacuation of Gaza City in the face of an imminent Israeli operation as “a death sentence.“
Pope Francis asks for prayers as he travels to Mongolia, ‘the heart of Asia’
Pope Francis has asked for prayers as he prepares to visit “the heart of Asia,” the sparsely-populated country