The Pontifical Swiss Guard marked the anniversary of its most famous battle Tuesday with a private ceremony, foregoing the public swearing-in of new recruits as the Vatican remains without a pope.
May 6 commemorates the 147 guardsmen who died defending Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527. The sacrifice allowed the pontiff to escape through a fortified passage to Castel Sant'Angelo.
Normally, the anniversary includes a solemn ceremony where new members of the Swiss Guard take their oath to the reigning pope. However, with the Apostolic See vacant following the death of Pope Francis, the traditional public ritual was suspended.
Instead, a memorial took place within the Guard barracks courtyard. It included a floral tribute at the war memorial honoring centuries of service. Officials stated the absence of a pope delayed the formal swearing-in, underscoring the current interregnum period.
Established in 1506 by Pope Julius II, the Guard serves as the pope's personal bodyguards and the military force of Vatican City. Despite their distinctive Renaissance-style uniforms, they undergo training in modern security tactics.
The Guard's membership expanded under Pope Francis, growing from 110 to there are 135 members. This increase was reportedly prompted by heightened threats of terrorism and the pontiff's own security needs.
Recruits must be Swiss citizens, Catholic men between 19 and 30, and meet height requirements. They are required to be single upon joining but can marry after serving for five years under certain conditions.
The Guard’s mission continues during the sede vacante, including protecting the college of cardinals during the conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pontiff.
Their readiness was tested in 1981 when an assassin shot Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's Square. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by papal bodyguards.
The historical uniform itself serves as an homage to the 1527 sacrifice, according to Bry Jensen, a historian. "The reason is the sack of Rome in 1527," Jensen said. "147 of the 189 Swiss Guards including their commander died and were torn apart to give Pope Clement VII time enough to escape.”
