What does the Swiss guard do while Pope Francis is in the hospital

The Mission of the Swiss Guard, the oldest military body in the world, is to guarantee the security of the Pope and guard the cardinals during the vacancy. But what happens when the Holy Father is outside the Vatican walls?

Currently, the Swiss Guard is directed by Colonel Christoph Graf, and its members are responsible for monitoring accesses to the Vatican territory, they also accompany the pontiff on their apostolic trips and perform maintenance work of the order and protocol during papal ceremonies and state receptions.

This March 6, 22 days have met since Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli polyclinic in Rome. On February 14, the Santa Marta house was abandoned by bronchitis that eventually evolved into bilateral pneumonia.

During these weeks, despite the absence of the pontiff, the Swiss guards do not leave their positions. Eliah Cinotti, the press manager of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, confirmed to ACI Press that “there are no changes in the ordinary service.”

However, he pointed out that because Pope Francis “is not physically present” in the Vatican, “we have a decrease in extraordinary services, such as general audiences, receptions of presidents or ambassadors, or masses.”

“Despite this we support some events in the Vatican when necessary, such as this Sunday, that we will be present at the Mass of the Volunteer Jubilee, although the Holy Father cannot participate,” he said.

In his last meeting with the Swiss Guard in the Vatican, Pope Francis He highlighted the value that their members marry, form a family and have children, highlighting the relevance of family life in their service.

“I like the fact that the guards marry; I like to have children, have a family. This is very important, very important. This aspect has gained a lot of relevance, since the number of married guards with children has increased, and the well -being of families is of fundamental importance for the Church and society, ”he said on January 18 from the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

As a conclusion, Cinotti stressed that the Swiss guard “prays and trusts a speedy recovery of our Holy Father so that he can return to the Vatican as soon as possible.”