Christoph Graf, officer of the Swiss Guard, audits recently enlisted Pontifical watchmen during a swearing-in function at San Damaso Court. The yearly swearing-in service for the New Papal Swiss Guards normally happens each year on 6 May, recognizing the 147 fighters who passed on shielding Pope Clement VII around the same time in 1527 during the sack of Rome. 38 newcomers will join the military unit whose duty is to secure the Pope. Unexpectedly this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic the function was delayed to October.
KRISHNA KUMAR SINGH 