Pontifical Swiss Guards prepare ahead of their swearing in ceremony, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Recruits joined the Vatican’s Pontifical Swiss Guard, the world’s oldest standing army, in a swearing-in ceremony presided over by Pope Leo XIV. The new guards suited up in distinctive yellow, blue and red uniforms and pledged to defend and serve the pope.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Pontifical Swiss Guards prepare ahead of their swearing in ceremony, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Pontifical Swiss Guards prepare ahead of their swearing in ceremony, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Cadets arrive at the swearing in ceremony for 28 new Pontifical Swiss Guards in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Pontifical Swiss Guards prepare ahead of their swearing in ceremony, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Pontifical Swiss Guards prepare ahead of their swearing in ceremony, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)New Pontifical Swiss Guards attend a swearing-in ceremony in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)A Pontifical Swiss Guards marches ahead of a swearing in ceremony, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)A cadet recites the oath during the swearing in ceremony for 28 new Pontifical Swiss Guards in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)New Pontifical Swiss Guards attend a swearing-in ceremony in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Pontifical Swiss Guards march ahead of a swearing in ceremony, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)Pope Leo XIV attends the swearing in ceremony for 28 new Pontifical Swiss Guards in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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