After an early morning Mass today in St. Peter’s Basilica and a meeting with Pope Francis, 34 young Catholic men from Switzerland took their oaths of office as members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
This centuries-old ceremony usually takes place on May 6, the anniversary of the day in 1527 when 147 Swiss soldiers died protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome.
The Guard was established in 1506 by Pope Julius II making it one of the oldest military units. They continue to serve today as they guard the Pope and his residence.
Catholic News Service has this report from Vatican City.
Archbishop Hicks looks at the three ways Lent gives us to reject the temptation of empty promises.
By:
Archbishop Ronald Hicks
| 02/22/2026
The pope tells clergy to resist digital shortcuts and cultivate authentic friendships with young people.
By:
OSV News
| 02/22/2026
As war enters its fourth year, Pope Leo XIV calls for the silence of weapons and a just and lasting peace.