Swiss Guard: Swearing-in ceremony on 4 October without guests

By Vatican News

The Pontifical Swiss Guard has confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony of 38 new guards, which should have taken place on 6 May, will now take place on 4 October. However, it will be held behind closed doors and without guests, in accordance with current protection regulations to avoid infection due to the Covid-19 virus.

No parents, family members or guests will be present

The most important moment for young recruits, who for centuries have sworn allegiance to the Pope on May 6 will be celebrated without guests present. The date of the event commemorates the 147 Swiss Guards who fell defending Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527. However, live television broadcasting and streaming "of this unique event" will be guaranteed on the official website of the Swiss Guards at  www.guardiasvizzera.ch .

Greeting new Swiss Guard recruits and their families last year, the Pope expressed the hope that their service in the Vatican and their time spent in Rome would bring those they encounter “a word of comfort and a gesture of brotherhood, so that they may become convincing witnesses of the risen Christ, alive and present in every age.”

The ceremony in the Courtyard of San Damasus

The programme for Sunday, October 4, will include Holy Mass at 7:30 a.m with the recruits in St. Peter's Basilica. At 5 p.m., the swearing-in ceremony will take place in the San Damasus Courtyard, and in the event of bad weather, will be moved to the Paul VI Hall.