As 28 recruits sworn in, Pope thanks Swiss Guard for their service
By Mario Galgano
On Wednesday afternoon, 28 new recruits for the Swiss guard took their oath of allegiance.
In his address, Christoph Graf, commander of the Guard, paid tribute to the presence of Pope Leo XIV, describing it as a valuable sign of his closeness to the corps.
He also welcomed, alongside church and political dignitaries, representatives of this year’s guest canton, Thurgau, as well as the families of the recruits.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, held in the Vatican’s audience hall, Pope Leo XIV offered some remarks to those gathered.
He began by warmly greeting the President of the Swiss Confederation and other representatives from politics and the military, before thanking the guards’ families for attending, and expressing his "esteem and gratitude" for the newly sworn-in recruits.
The Pope emphasized that the oath they had taken was testament to a fidelity that stemmed from youthful enthusiasm, faith in God, and love for the Church.
The meaning of service
At the start of the ceremony, Commander Christoph Graf reflected on the modern understanding of “service,” offering a critical perspective. He noted that today the term is often dismissed as an empty phrase or even seen as an obstacle to personal fulfilment. Some, he said, mistakenly equate serving with something lowly or degrading.
Graf countered that being there for others lies at the very core of what it means to be human. “It is only by using our talents for others that we truly fulfil ourselves,” he stressed, adding that service is not a hindrance but an opportunity for personal growth.
He pointed to Jesus Christ as the fundamental model for this understanding—one who came not to be served, but to serve. This Christian example, Graf said, guards against arrogance and the selfish misuse of authority. Those who serve remain aware that they are not above those they serve.
For the Swiss Guards, Graf stressed, this means supporting the Holy Father with all their strength and ensuring his protection, so that he can carry out his ministry as the successor of the Apostle Peter without hindrance.
A word of thanks
In closing, the commander thanked the young men for their willingness to serve. He expressed the hope that their time in the Guard would help each of them grow personally and deepen their sense of vocation. The oath they took, he said, is not merely a formal obligation but a promise to dedicate themselves—in word and deed—to the good of the community.
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