Pope Leo XIV presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 28 new members of the Swiss Guard, thanking them for their dedication and commitment to protecting the leader of the Catholic Church.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, where the young recruits officially pledged loyalty and faithfulness to their mission as members of the prestigious Pontifical Swiss Guard.
The event was attended by Church leaders, political representatives, delegates from the Swiss Canton of Thurgau, and family members of the new guards.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV said the oath taken by the young men reflected a spirit of loyalty rooted in youthful enthusiasm, faith in God, and love for the Church.
The commander of the Swiss Guard, Christoph Graf, expressed gratitude for the Pope’s presence at the ceremony, describing it as a strong sign of closeness and support.
Graf also reflected on the meaning of service, noting that some people today view serving others as something of little value or as an obstacle to achieving personal ambitions
He added that others wrongly consider service to be excessive humility or even a loss of dignity.
According to Graf, helping others is one of the fundamental purposes of human life.
“It is by using your talents for the good of others that you truly fulfill your mission as a human being,” he said.
He emphasized that serving others should not be seen as a limitation, but rather as a path toward personal growth and maturity.
Graf further stated that Jesus Christ remains the ultimate example of selfless service, explaining that Christ came not to be served, but to serve others. He said this example helps individuals avoid pride and the misuse of authority.
Speaking about the mission of the Swiss Guard, Graf explained that their duty is to support and protect the shepherd of the Catholic Church throughout the world, enabling him to faithfully carry out his mission as the successor of Saint Peter.
In closing, the commander thanked the young recruits for willingly accepting the responsibility entrusted to them.
He expressed confidence that their time in the Swiss Guard would help them grow personally and deepen their understanding of their calling.
Graf also reminded them that the oath they had taken was not merely ceremonial, but a genuine commitment to serving people and dedicating themselves to the common good through concrete actions.
