Pope Benedict XVI thanked the Swiss Guards for their dedicated and loyal service of watching over the Vatican and keeping popes safe.The Swiss Guard's 500 years of service to the church in Rome reflects "a long history of loyalty and generous service always offered with dedication, at times to the point of heroically sacrificing one's life," he said.
The pope's comments came May 5 during a special audience with Swiss Guards and 38 new recruits.New soldiers are sworn in during a colorful ceremony at the Vatican every May 6 to commemorate the day 150 Swiss Guards died saving Pope Clement VII's life during the sack of Rome May 6, 1527.
Pope Benedict said the guards' dedication has "rightly earned them the esteem and trust of all pontiffs" who have always been able to count on their "help, support, and protection."
"Thank you, dear friends, for your quiet, but efficient presence next to the figure of the pope; thank you for your professionalism and also for the love with which you carry out your mission," he said.
He told the guards to remember that in addition to being "exemplary soldiers" they are also called to be "good Christians."
"The Lord is calling you to holiness," he said, and urged them to live a life of simplicity, solidarity and prayer.
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