Welcoming the Pontifical Swiss Guard on the occasion of their swearing in of new recruits, Pope Leo XIV thanks them for their protection since day one of his pontificate, and invites them to cultivate their faith and friendship with the Lord, no matter what life may have in store for them.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
“From the very beginning of my pontificate, dear Swiss Guards, I have been able to count on your faithful service, carried out with great dedication and zeal.”
Pope Leo XIV offered these words of gratitude to the Pontifical Swiss Guard on Friday in the Vatican on the occasion of the traditional swearing-in ceremony of new recruits, as he offered his “heartfelt gratitude” for their commitment and dedication.
“The Successor of Peter,” he expressed, “is able to carry out his mission in service to the Church and the world with the assurance that you are watching over his safety.”
Values of your faith
The Pope urged them to remain faithful to the Gospel and to the fundamental values of your Christian faith, which, he underscored, “make you baptized believers who are confident in your choices.”
“Each of you,” he encouraged, “can be a model to the others through your words and conduct, through your charity and faith. And you can be a sign of unity for the entire Roman Curia.”
Cultivate inner life and relationship with the Lord
The Holy Father marveled how the city of Rome, with its treasures and wealth, offers them an unforgettable journey through history, “not only of the arts, but above all of the Christian faith, beginning with the earliest witnesses who followed Christ, sometimes even to the point of martyrdom.”
“Take advantage of this opportunity,” he said, “to cultivate your inner life, in the midst of the frenzy of our society, to deepen your relationship with the Lord.”
Addressing the new recruits, the Pope said that with their oath today they are entering a new stage of their lives.
“I encourage you to live this mission with conviction, placing yourselves in the school of Christ, humble and obedient,” he said.
Faithful to Gospel and Christian faith
The Pope acknowledged that many of them one day will return to their homeland after having offered good and loyal service to the Holy See and will have numerous opportunities before them. He recognized some will continue studies, entering the working world, travel, or possibly discover a vocation to the priesthood.
Whatever their decision, the Pope told them to remember that their experience in the Roman Curia will help them “face future changes with confidence and with the universal outlook proper to every Christian.”
Maturity and hope
The Holy Father delineated many challenges facing their generation, including environmental issues, economic changes, social tensions, the digital revolution, artificial intelligence, and other complex realities “that require discernment and a sense of responsibility.”
“Your time in Rome,” he reflected, “can help you develop a deeper maturity even in these areas of social life.”
With this in mind, the Pope urged them to be witnesses of hope, faithful to the Gospel, and propelled by their faith in the Lord.
“In this Holy Year, may you, through your simple witness,” Pope Leo said, “be missionaries of hope to the people you encounter. May the flame of hope light your path and give you the courage to take bold steps and to contribute together to the civilization of love.”
Pope Leo XIV addressing Swiss Guards (@Vatican Media)