A Swiss Guardsman is sworn in during the swearing-in ceremony for the new Swiss Guardsmen.Image: keystone
April 30, 2026, 8:40 p.mApril 30, 2026, 8:41 p.m
Because of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday 2025, all guardsmen have been recalled from vacation, the command of the Pontifical Swiss Guard announced on Thursday in its annual report. The phase of the sedis vacancy and the conclave would have required an extraordinary performance.
A 24-hour service with eight guardsmen every six hours was necessary for the wake alone. With a total number of 135 guardsmen, several people would have had to do double duty.
Other tasks included protecting the College of Cardinals and securing the funeral ceremonies with over 180 official delegations. Close coordination with the Vatican and Italian security authorities was necessary.
32 new recruits
The reactivation of the summer residence in Castel Gandolfo by the new Pope Leo XIV brought additional strain. Nevertheless, the Guard pushed forward with the project to build the new barracks. The plans are nearing completion and will soon be submitted to UNESCO for approval. However, increased construction prices in Rome would have led to additional costs.
In the year under review, 32 new recruits joined the corps, while 29 guardsmen left the service. Next Wednesday, Swiss President Guy Parmelin will attend the swearing-in of the new Swiss Guard recruits and meet Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican.
The Papal Swiss Guard is a guard force made up of Swiss soldiers responsible for protecting the Pope and his residence. It is the oldest military corps still in existence in the world. The Swiss Guards secure the Apostolic Palace, the entrances to the Vatican City and those to the Pope’s summer residence in the Italian town of Castel Gandolfo. (sda)