Vatican City, May 5, 2005 / 22:00 pm
This morning, Pope Benedict received 31 new Swiss Guard recruits who took their official oaths this afternoon at the Vatican.
The swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guard was held in the San Damaso courtyard of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace while family and friends accompanied the new recruits in their meeting with the Pope.
The Holy Father spoke in German, French and Italian, and expressed his joy "that the traditional oath of recruits is taking place a few days after the start of my pontificate, so I can express to you my recognition, my thanks and my encouragement."
Addressing a special greeting to the new recruits, the Holy Father expressed the desire that over these days "you may deepen your faith and your union with Peter's Successor, the visible head of the Universal Church. May your service further improve the liturgical acts and the numerous meetings."