Swiss Guards show that loyalty to church does not change, pope says

Published: 2008-05-05

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a world of constant change, the Swiss Guards with their colorful traditional uniforms are a sign that loyalty and dedication to the church never go out of fashion, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope met May 5 with 33 young Swiss Catholic men who had joined the 110-man corps over the past 12 months. They were to take their official oaths of office the next evening. Pope Benedict said the corps, formed 502 years ago, was always small, but always dedicated to protecting the pope and his residence. "After five centuries, the spirit of faith that pushes young Swiss men to leave their beautiful land in order to serve the pope at the Vatican has remained unchanged," he said. In addition, he said, "the love for the Catholic Church to which you witness with your persons more than with your words" also has remained unchanged.

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