Pope
Francis tells Swiss Guards they have a "significant" friendship
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis greeted the members of the Swiss
Guard and their families on Monday, ahead of the annual May 6th swearing in
ceremony for new Guards.
Pope Francis said the meeting was an opportunity to “strengthen
a [significant] friendship,” noting the words of Christ who said “No one has
greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
“In the history of the Church, many men and women have embraced
the call of this great love,” Pope Francis said. “The Swiss Guards who fought
during the sack of Rome [on May 6, 1527] and who gave their lives in the
defense of the Pope followed this call. And responding with devotion to this
call means to follow Christ.”
Pope Francis said a Swiss Guard is “a person who truly seeks to
follow the Lord Jesus and who loves in a particular way the Church; [he] is a
Christian with a genuine faith.”
The Holy Father called on them to live their vocation through
the Sacraments of the Church, regularly participating in the Mass and
frequently attending confession. He also urged them to read the Gospel every
day, and even to keep a small book of the Gospels on their person, so it is
available to read at quiet moments.
The Pope said prayer will help them in their service.
“So when you meet the people, the pilgrims, you convey - with
your kindness and competence - this ‘greater love’ that comes from friendship
with Christ,” Pope Francis said. “In effect, Swiss Guards are a ‘billboard’ of
the Holy See!”
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