At 17.00, in the Paul VI Hall, the swearing-in ceremony of 28 new recruits to the Pontifical Swiss Guard, in the presence of the Holy Father Leo XIV, was held.

The following is the greeting addressed by the Pope to those present at the end of the ceremony:

Greeting of the Holy Father

At the end of this beautiful and touching ceremony, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all of you, beginning with the President of the Swiss Confederation and the other civil and military authorities.

With affection and gratitude, I greet the families of the Swiss Guards; thank you for coming!

To you, dear young people who have taken the Oath, I express my esteem and gratitude. The gesture you have made attests to a commitment of fidelity, inspired by youthful enthusiasm and founded on faith in God and love for the Church. I place it under the protection of the Virgin Mary, together with the entire precious service of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

I wish you all a pleasant evening and a happy celebration!

Einen schönen Abend und ein schönes Fest!

Passez une bonne soirée et une bonne fête ! Merci !