34 new Swiss Guards sworn in during colorful Vatican ceremony
In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI arrives to meet new Vatican Swiss Guards and their families , in the Vatican's Clementina Hall, Friday, May 6, 2011 prior to their swearing-in ceremony. The swearing in ceremony is held each May 6 to commemorate the day in 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards died protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho) EDITORIAL USE ONLY
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican's Swiss Guards has sworn in 34 new recruits in a colorful ceremony in a Vatican courtyard.
The centuries-old elite group provides ceremonial duty, assists at Vatican functions and helps protect the pope. The guards are famous for their blue-and-gold uniforms, halberds and crimson-plumed helmets.
The ceremony is held each May 6 to commemorate the 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting Pope Clement VII during the 1527 Sack of Rome.
Pope Benedict XVI, in an audience with the guards Friday before the swearing-in ceremony, warned them of what he said is the threat of a "spiritual" sack that leads to the impoverishment of the human soul. The pontiff said this is an "even more dangerous sack."
- Pope thanks Swiss Guard, bids new recruits be wary of 'spiritual attack'
Catholic Culture
-
10 hours ago- New recruits of Swiss Guard sworn in to defend pope
Rome Reports
-
12 hours ago- 34 new Swiss Guards sworn in during colorful Vatican ceremony
Sun-Sentinel
-
12 hours ago- More coverage
(1) »
No comments:
Post a Comment