PHOTOS: Vatican welcomes 26 Swiss Guards into world's oldest army

The swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits took place in the Vatican today.

TWENTY-SIX SWISS MEN have joined the oldest standing army in the world, swearing to give up their lives to protect the pope as the Vatican’s newest Swiss Guards.

The swearing-in ceremony took place earlier today inside the Vatican auditorium — a last-minute change due to rain. Usually it is held in the St. Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace.

The ceremony is held each 6 May to commemorate the day in 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards died protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome.

The guards, who sign up for a minimum of two years, must be upstanding, single, Swiss Catholic men under age 30. Famous for their blue-and-gold uniforms, halberds (spearlike weapons), and crimson-plumed helmets, they protect the pope, provide ceremonial duty and assist at Vatican functions.

PHOTOS: Vatican welcomes 26 Swiss Guards into world's oldest army

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Vatican Swiss Guards
Source: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
Vatican Swiss Guards
Source: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
Vatican Swiss Guards
Source: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
Vatican Swiss Guards
Source: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca
Vatican Swiss Guards
Source: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca
Vatican Swiss Guards
Source: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca
Vatican Swiss Guards
Source: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca

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Source: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino" title="">
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Source: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca" title="">
Source: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca" title="">
Source: AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca" title="">

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