The Swiss Guard became a feature of life in the Vatican on January 22, 1506 when Pope Julius II hired a contingent of 150 Swiss Mercenaries to guard St Peter’s Basilica and the city of Rome. Disbanded and re-established on several occasions the Guard became largely ceremonial from the seventeenth century onwards. Following Pope John Paul II’s attempted assassination in 1981, there was a renewed emphasis on providing the Guards with advanced military training. Dressed in their Renaissance style uniforms the Swiss Guard retains its role of actually protecting the Pontiff over 500 years after its original establishment.
Gracious God
we ask your continued protection for Pope Francis and for the Vatican and all who live and work there.
Be with those in our world who because of their roles and positions require a protective detail to be assigned to them.
Protect all who have become targets of hate because they have taken principled stands on important issues.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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