After attending the swearing-in ceremony of 28 new Pontifical Swiss Guards on Wednesday evening, Pope Leo XIV met with the Guards and their families on Thursday.

The Pope expressed his gratitude to Switzerland, saying that the Swiss men who serve in the corps should be a source of pride as they bring their nation’s cultural and spiritual values to the Vatican.

He also thanked the Swiss Guards and their families for their “humble and discreet service.”

“The joys and trials you experience together, as well as the strength of the friendships formed among you,” he said, “shape your souls in the sense of honor and duty expressed through the gift of your lives in service to and protection of the Successor of Peter.”

As they serve near the tombs of the Apostles, the Guards have the opportunity to pray and reflect on the beauty of the Eternal City, which he said comes from and leads to God.

Called to holiness

Although their mission is primarily military, they are also called to holiness, along with every baptized person.

“I am therefore convinced that your decision to dedicate several years of your lives to the service of the Pope and the Holy See forms part of a personal journey of faith,” he said.

As they assist Curia officials, pilgrims, and guests to the Vatican, the Pope invited the Guards to recall Jesus’ words: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Night shifts especially, he said, offer Swiss Guards the chance to read and meditate, and he invited them to pray with their patron, St. Nicholas of Flüe: “My Lord and my God, take from me everything that keeps me from coming to you; give me everything that will lead me to you; take me from myself and give me wholly to you, so that I may belong totally to you.”

A privileged place to grow

Pope Leo noted that life in the barracks represents a privileged place to develop the “human virtues of service to one’s neighbor, generosity, and humility.”

“Through the fraternal solidarity that marks your relationships, you will build an atmosphere of harmony and joy within the Guard, which will be reflected in all those you meet,” he said. “I encourage you to persevere on this path, often demanding, but fruitful.”

Finally, Pope Leo XIV renewed his gratitude to the Pontifical Swiss Guards. He entrusted them to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and their patron saints, St. Martin of Tours, St. Sebastian, and St. Nicholas of Flüe.