- Feb 5, 2002
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34 new recruits to the Swiss Guard will be sworn in on Monday by Pope Francis. We visited the barracks of the famous papal army.
The Swiss Guard barracks in the heart of the Vatican are a hive of activity. With just a short time to go before the new guards are sworn in, the soldiers of the world’s smallest army are on their toes. No detail is left to chance in preparation for the traditional ceremony on May 6.
In the weapons room, the metal breastplates that make up the mythical uniform of this army of 135 men in the service of the popes since 1506 are once again brushed with oil. In an adjoining room hang the famous gala uniforms with their blue and yellow stripes and red cuffs.
With the help of elders, the young recruits manage to don the armor, which weighs around 15 kg (33 lbs). “The weight of history,” breathes one of them, recalling that May 6 commemorates the 147 Swiss halberdiers killed by Charles V’s troops who were threatening Pope Clement VII.
Continued below.
aleteia.org
The Swiss Guard barracks in the heart of the Vatican are a hive of activity. With just a short time to go before the new guards are sworn in, the soldiers of the world’s smallest army are on their toes. No detail is left to chance in preparation for the traditional ceremony on May 6.
In the weapons room, the metal breastplates that make up the mythical uniform of this army of 135 men in the service of the popes since 1506 are once again brushed with oil. In an adjoining room hang the famous gala uniforms with their blue and yellow stripes and red cuffs.
With the help of elders, the young recruits manage to don the armor, which weighs around 15 kg (33 lbs). “The weight of history,” breathes one of them, recalling that May 6 commemorates the 147 Swiss halberdiers killed by Charles V’s troops who were threatening Pope Clement VII.
Continued below.
Behind the scenes of the Swiss Guard swearing-in ceremony
On Monday May 6, 2024, 34 new recruits to the Swiss Guard will be sworn in by Pope Francis. I.MEDIA visited the barracks of the famous papal army.
aleteia.org
