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 Leo XIV at Monaco stadium Mass: Wars are ‘the result of the idolatry of power and money’
The Holy Father during his homily at Monacoʼs Lucas II Stadium urged the faithful to “not get used
‘No fear’ among Spanish Bishops Over Upcoming Meeting with Pope Francis About Seminaries
The spokesman for the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE), Bishop Francisco César García Magán, stated at a Nov. 24
Pope Leo XIV: Marriage ‘not an ideal but the measure of true love between a man and a woman’
Pope Leo XIV declared marriage is “not an ideal but the measure of true love between a man and a woman” during the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on Sunday.
PHOTOS: ‘Life is Beautiful’ actor Roberto Benigni meets the pope
Pope Francis enthusiastically greeted Italian actor and comedian Roberto Benigni at the Vatican on Wednesday morning. Benigni, best
Leo XIV withdraws papal delegate after agreement avoids schism in Syro-Malabar Church
The specter of schism has hovered in recent years over the Metropolitan Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabar Church in India—one of the 24 Eastern Churches in full communion with the Catholic Church.
Why is St. Blaise’s Throat Kept in a Church in Rome?
Every February 3rd, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Blaise, the patron saint of throat diseases. What very few know is that part of his own throat is kept as a relic in a church located on one of the most emblematic streets of Rome.