Grow in faith, Pope tells new Swiss Guards

May 09, 2016

Pope Francis met new Swiss Guards on May 7 and called upon them to grow in faith, experience the Church’s universality, and experience brotherhood.

“It is good to see that young people like you dedicate several years of your lives to the Church, and in particular to Peter’s Successor,” the Pope said in an audience in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

“Make the most of the time you spend here in Rome, in the heart of Christianity, as an opportunity to deepen your friendship with Jesus and to journey towards the aim of every true Christian life: holiness,” he continued.

Pope Francis added:

The tombs of the Apostles and the see of the bishop of Rome are a crossroads for the journeys of pilgrims from all over the world. You therefore have the opportunity to touch with your hands the maternity of the Church who welcomes, in her own unity, the diversity of many peoples. You are able to encounter people of different languages, traditions and cultures, but who feel that they are brothers by virtue of their common faith in Jesus Christ.

 

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Further information:

• Udienza alla Guardia Svizzera Pontificia in occasione del giuramento delle reclute (Holy See Press Office)
• The Pope receives the new Swiss Guards: be strong in faith and generous with people you meet (Holy See Press Office)
• Swiss Guard recruits take oath of loyalty (CWN, 5/16)