I would like to take the opportunity of our meeting to express my deep gratitude for the generous support you have provided to the Pontifical Swiss Guard over these twenty-five years. I hope you continue your esteemed work in the future as well," said Pope Francis in his address to the Pontifical Swiss Guard Foundation.
Pope Francis received the members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Foundation in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican on the occasion of the foundation's 25th anniversary. The Holy Father welcomed his guests and said, "Twenty-five years ago, during the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, the Pontifical Swiss Guard Foundation was established. Now, another jubilee has just begun, happily coinciding with the 25th anniversary of your foundation. It is beautiful to celebrate this occasion with a pilgrimage to Rome, where you can renew the proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, at the tombs of the Apostles.
The Holy Father continued, "Indeed, your precious commitment must always be imbued with the spirit of faith and love, because assisting the Pontifical Swiss Guard means supporting the Successor of Peter in his service to the universal Church—and I am personally very grateful for the faithful service the Guard provides. The nature of the Swiss Guard's work has changed much over time, but its goal remains always to protect the Pope. This also includes contributing to the reception of many pilgrims who come from all over the world to see him.
The Pope added, "Your foundation supports the Guard in various ways: primarily, it works for families, especially concerning the education and upbringing of children in suitable educational institutions. This aspect has become more important due to the increasing number of married guards, and the well-being of families is essential for the Church and society. Additionally, the foundation provides the necessary means to ensure, improve, and update professional efficiency, work methods, equipment, and infrastructure. Lastly, you offer valuable support to all who return to their homeland after their service in the Vatican. All these things are necessary for the guards to perform their valuable service with the utmost effectiveness for everyone's benefit.
Pope Francis continued, "The cooperation between your foundation and the Pontifical Swiss Guard is a model to be emulated, as it shows that no entity can continue alone. We all need each other's help and support, and this applies to you and individual communities, as well as the Church as a whole. Therefore, I would like to take the opportunity of our meeting to express my deep gratitude for the generous support you have provided to the Pontifical Swiss Guard over these twenty-five years. I hope you continue your esteemed work in the future as well.
The Pope concluded his address by saying, "I ask you to pray for me, and I assure you of my remembrance of you in my prayers for you and your intentions."