Vatican Pope praises Swiss Guards' patience with pilgrims
During an audience, Pope Francis praised the "great patience" of the Swiss Guards with pilgrims. "It takes patience, and the guardsmen have it. And that is the beauty of them: they repeat, they explain - very great patience, compliments," he said.
18.01.2025, 10:42
SDA
The work of the Swiss Guard has changed a lot over time, but their duty will always be to protect the Pope, said the Pontiff during a private audience at the Foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard on Saturday. Welcoming the many pilgrims from all parts of the world is also part of their duties.
The Pope also encouraged the guardsmen to start families. "I like it when you get married," he said. "I like it when they have children, when they have a family. That's very important."
Recently, the number of married Guardsmen with children has increased. Guardsmen must be single when they join the guard. They are only allowed to marry from the age of 25 and must have served for five years beforehand.
The Swiss Guard in the Vatican has existed since 1506 and is responsible for the security of the Pope and his residence. The guardsmen in their traditional Renaissance uniforms also perform honorary duties during audiences, visits, masses and guard duty. Francis increased the Swiss Guard from 110 to 135 guardsmen in 2018.
