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 Europa 1997: Swiss Guards Scott 1038-1039 (1997) Yesterday, the annual ceremony for the Oath of the Pontifical Swiss Guards returned to the traditional date of May 6. The event was held in the San Damaso Courtyard (the diplomatic entrance to the Apostolic Palace) and was attended by Pope Leo XIV. Last year, the ceremony took place on October 4, since in 2025 May 6 fell during the interregnum period following the death of Pope Francis and prior to the election of Pope Leo XIV. Last year's event was also historic since Pope Leo attended the ceremony, marking the first time a pope has presided over the event since Pope Paul VI in 1968. Every year on May 6, all the members of the Swiss Guards take an Oath of Loyalty to the current pope, and new recruits are sworn into the service of the Guards, which currently numbers 135 members. The newest guardsmen, wearing the traditional yellow, blue, and red "gala uniform" and armor, swear to serve and protect the Pope with their lives.  Pontifical Swiss Guard in San Damaso Courtyard, 2021 Photo from U.S. State Department From Wikimedia Commons, in the Public Domain The origins of the Swiss Guards date to the 15th century. Swiss mercenaries were the finest in Europe and served as protection for rulers during this time. In 1506, the Swiss Guards arrived in Rome to serve as protection for the papacy and Rome, having been invited by Pope Julius II. Perhaps the most important date in the history of the Guards is May 6, 1527, when 147 of the Guards (out of 189) died in defending Pope Clement VII (Guilio de Medici, 1523-1534) as he took refuge in Castel Sant’Angelo during the Sack of Rome. May 6 continues to be the date set aside for the Guards to renew their pledge to the pope. The oath taken by the members of the Swiss Guard is as follows: "I swear I will faithfully, loyally, and honorably serve the Supreme Pontiff _____ and his legitimate successors, and also dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing if necessary also my life to defend them. I assume this same commitment with regard to the Sacred College of Cardinals whenever the See is vacant. Furthermore I promise to the Commanding captain and my other superiors, respect, fidelity and obedience. This I swear! May God and our Holy Patrons assist me! A video with highlights from last year's ceremony is provided in the references below. In addition to the stamps at the top of this article, the Pontifical Swiss Guards have been featured on two stamp issues by Vatican City remembering the anniversary of their formation. The stamps below depict the six-stamp set for their 450th anniversary (from 1956) and the two-stamp issue, from 2005, for their 500th anniversary (with the minisheets for that release). 
 
 450th Anniversary of the Pontifical Swiss Guards Scott 203-208 (1956) 
 500th Anniversary of the Pontifical Swiss Guards Scott 1315-1316 (2005) REFERENCES:   500th Anniversary of the Papal Swiss Guards Minisheets, Scott 1315M and 1316M (2005) |
