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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.
1.40pm, 6 May 2012
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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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