Vatican City, May 6, 2011 / 10:58 am
Pope Benedict XVI met with 34 new Swiss Guard recruits on May 6 and offered words of wisdom and encouragement before the swearing-in ceremony.
“The time that you will spend in the 'Eternal City' will be an exceptional moment in your lives,” the Pope told the new guards.
“Live it with a spirit of sincere fraternity, mutually helping one another to live an exemplary Christian life that corresponds to your faith and your unique mission in the Church.”
The Pope also expressed “profound gratitude” for the guards' willingness to be “at the disposition of Peter's Successor and to thus contribute to guaranteeing the necessary order and security within Vatican City.”