Advertisement

Pontifical Swiss Guard

The Swiss Guard honored the soldiers who died in the Sack of Rome during a ceremony in Roman Protomartyrs Square in the Vatican on May 5, 2023. / Vatican Media

What Does the Swiss Guard Do While Pope Francis is in the Hospital?

Mar 10, 2025

The mission of the Swiss Guard, the oldest military corps in the world, is to ensure the security of the pope and protect the cardinals when the chair of Peter is vacant.

Pope Francis greets new Swiss Guards as they prepare to be sworn in on May 6, 2024, at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican Media

At Silver Jubilee Pontifical Swiss Guard Foundation, Pope Francis Recognizes Guard’s Patient Service to Vatican Pilgrims

Jan 18, 2025

As millions of pilgrims are expected for the jubilee year in Rome, Pope Francis praised the patient service of the Swiss Guard and support for their families.

A new Swiss Guard swears to protect the pope, even sacrificing his life if necessary, during a ceremony on May 6, 2023. | Daniel Ibanez/CNA

6 Things to Know about the Swiss Guard and its Swearing-in Ceremony

May 6, 2023

A group of new Swiss Guard recruits officially joined the ranks after swearing to “faithfully, loyally and honorably serve the reigning Pontiff” at the Vatican on Saturday.

Latest headlines

The first photo of Pope Francis since he entered Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025. / Credit: Holy See Press Office

First Photo of Pope Francis since Admission to Hospital Released, Concelebrates Holy Mass at Chapel

Credit: Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat

Situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region “unstable, flights have been cancelled”, Source Says Church Leaders Yet to Comment

Credit: CRN

Support South Sudan’s “reconciliation initiatives”: IGAD Heads of States to Religious, Traditional, Civil Leaders

Religious Leaders Laud Angolan President for Move to Mediate Talks as War Rages on in DR Congo

Catholic Priest Murdered in Nigeria’s Kafanchan Diocese “lived his life fully in service to God”: Local Ordinary

Deploy “high technology” to Address Insecurity: Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops to State, Federal Governments

Trending

Well-wishers leave notes for Pope Francis at the foot of the St. John Paul II statue outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome on March 14, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Pope Francis in “a clinical situation of stability”, Approves Three-year Synod on Synodality Implementation Process

Fr. Philip Ekweli (right) and Seminarian Andrew Peter (left). Credit: Catholic Diocese of Auchi

Seminarian Abducted Alongside Catholic Priest from Nigeria’s Auchi Diocese “gruesomely” Murdered, Priest Regains Freedom

Mons. Giancarlo Dellagiovanna. Credit: Il Popolo

Pope Francis Appoints Italian-Born Clergy as Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso

Pope Francis addresses bishops gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican for the Synod on Synodality closing Mass on Oct. 27, 2024. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican Announces Plans for 2028 Post-Synodal Assembly to Evaluate Synod on Synodality Implementation

Credit: Radio Sol Mansi

After Body of Bissau-Guinean Girl Found Buried, Some Organs Removed, Catholic Leaders Urge Unity in “search for justice”

Credit: Ethiopia Catholic Secretariat

Situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region “unstable, flights have been cancelled”, Source Says Church Leaders Yet to Comment

The first photo of Pope Francis since he entered Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025. / Credit: Holy See Press Office

First Photo of Pope Francis since Admission to Hospital Released, Concelebrates Holy Mass at Chapel

Credit: CRN

Support South Sudan’s “reconciliation initiatives”: IGAD Heads of States to Religious, Traditional, Civil Leaders

Religious Leaders Laud Angolan President for Move to Mediate Talks as War Rages on in DR Congo

Deploy “high technology” to Address Insecurity: Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops to State, Federal Governments

Videos