On May 6, 2025, the Pontifical Swiss Guard will honor the memory of 147 soldiers who died during the Sack of Rome in 1527 when they shielded Pope Clement VII from attackers. This year’s commemoration will take on a unique tone due to the Vatican being without a pope, marking a significant moment in its history.
Typically, this remembrance is highlighted by a public ceremony where new recruits take their oaths to serve the Holy Father. However, with the Holy See currently vacant, the much-anticipated public rituals will not occur. Instead, a private memorial will be held at the Swiss Guard barracks, emphasizing the guard’s dedication to their long-standing mission of loyalty and sacrifice.
The commemoration will include a floral tribute at the Guard’s war memorial located in the barracks’ inner courtyard. This granite monument serves as both a tribute to those lost and a reminder of the Swiss Guard’s enduring commitment from the Renaissance to the present day. Colonel Christoph Graf, the corps’ commander, is expected to reflect on the significance of the day and honor the bravery of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Though the traditional swearing-in of recruits will not take place this year, reflecting the ecclesiastical void left by the passing of Pope Francis, the Swiss Guard’s role in protecting Vatican City continues unabated. The steadfastness of their mission serves as a reminder that even in times of transition, their commitment to safeguarding the papacy remains resolute and unyielding.