Wanted in Rome
05 May, 2021
Swiss Guards celebrate 515 years in 2021.
The Vatican will hold its annual ceremony to swear-in new recruits into the Swiss Guards, the world's smallest army, on Thursday 6 May.
The pomp-filled event, held in the S. Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, will see the 34 new guards take a solemn oath of allegiance to the pope.
It will be the second year in a row that the ceremony will take place without an audience, in line with covid-19 protocols.
Traditionally held each year on 6 May, last year's event was postponed until October, due to the coronavirus emergency.
A handful of family members will attend this year's ceremony which will be streamed live via the Swiss Guards website from 17.00.