We, the 2nd UG class, were lucky enough to be the last class to travel to Rome. We really enjoyed our time in Rome. The highlight of the week came on Wednesday. It was the most important event for a Swiss Guard: the swearing-in ceremony, a pledge to the flag that every Swiss Guard takes. He swears to give his life for the Pope if necessary.

At half past three, we stood eagerly in the queue for the security check. Afterwards, we were greeted by sworn guards, including Jan Feierabend, a former student of the seminary. Shortly afterwards, we were ushered into the Vatican Audience Hall. The ceremony began at five o’clock. Once Pope Leo XIV had taken his seat, the guards entered, led by the band, to take their oath on this 6th of May. Instructions were given by two officers. The ceremony began with a speech by the commander, which included everything a guard swears to during the oath-taking ceremony. Then came the actual reason for the gathering: the guards took their oath one after the other. They were called up individually, grasped the flag with their left hand and made the oath with their right hand. As they did so, they recited the oath in their mother tongue – that is, German, French, Italian or Romansh. It was a very impressive sight. Once the guards had completed their part, there were a few speeches. Before the drinks reception began, Pope Leo XIV gave a speech in Italian. For us, it was a moment that gave us goosebumps. How many people in the world are lucky enough to be in the same room as the Pope? Probably very few of us. That’s why it was all the more wonderful for us to be among those few lucky ones.
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This was followed by some music performed by the brass band, made up of a number of guards. After this impressive event, we went straight on to the drinks reception, which was for specially invited guests only. There we met many different and fascinating people – including the Abbot of Einsiedeln, various bishops, officers of the Swiss Guard, members of various associations, a bodyguard of the President of Italy and, of course, various guests of honour from this year’s host canton, Thurgau. Still buzzing with impressions, we then went on to dinner. We look back fondly on those three exciting hours.
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Yael, Pascale, Valerie, and Josiane
2. UG