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Pontifical Swiss Guard announce preparations for the 500th Anniversary of the Sack of Rome
2027 will mark an extraordinary commemorative year, which the Pontifical Swiss Guard is preparing with a conference in Brig, Switzerland, in January, a historical publication, and participation in Zurich’s Spring Festival. In May, celebrations will take place at the Vatican, including light-art performances, the premiere of a film about the Corps, and a pilgrimage. Commander Graf: “We want to show that the values of that time are still present today.”
Vatican News
“Values that endure: loyalty, reliability, professionalism and solidarity” is the theme chosen to commemorate, in 2027, the 500th anniversary of the Sack of Rome.
On 6 May 1527, the Pontifical Swiss Guard defended Pope Clement VII “with extraordinary courage and unwavering loyalty.” On that occasion, 147 Guards lost their lives, while their 42 comrades escorted the Pope to safety at Castel Sant’Angelo.
“The Sacco di Roma of 1527 is one of the most defining events in our history. The commemorative year recalls the willingness to sacrifice and marks the loyalty of our predecessors. At the same time, we want to show that the values of that time are still present today and shape the mission of our guardsmen in the service to the Pope. It is a year of dignified remembrance, encounter and gratitude,” Colonel Christoph Graf, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, said in a statement.
The Commemorative Program
The commemorations will open on 23 January with a conference of historians in Brig, Switzerland. A publication will be released examining the political, military and religious circumstances surrounding the events of the period and their consequences, as well as “questions of remembrance, responsibility and myth,” according to the statement.
From 16 to 19 April 2027, the Pontifical Swiss Guard will participate in the Sechseläuten, Zurich’s Spring Festival, at the invitation of the Central Committee of Zurich’s guilds.
“In this way,” the statement emphasizes, “the historical connection can be highlighted “between the city of Zurich and the then commander of the Guard, Kaspar Röist, who was born in Zurich and led the Guard during the Sacco di Roma in 1527 and lost his life.”
The culmination will be the celebrations held at the Vatican from 5 to 7 May 2027. The program will include Vespers and the unveiling of a new commemorative plaque honoring the fallen Guards, Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica, the swearing-in of the new Guards in St. Peter’s Square, a light-art projection by Swiss artist Gerry Hofstetter, and more events involving representatives of the Church, political life, civil society and the wider Swiss Guard family.
A Pilgrimage in Switzerland
On 4 September 2027, the national pilgrimage of former Swiss Guards will take place in Einsiedeln, Switzerland.
In addition to religious celebrations, the program will feature the world premiere of a film dedicated to the commemorative year, as well as another light-art projection.
“The Pontifical Swiss Guard aims not only to remember a defining historical event, the people in uniform and the values that have shaped the service of the Swiss Guard for centuries are equally at the center,” the statement concludes.
“The commemorative year also aims to deepen understanding of the Swiss Guard’s mission today, encourage young Swiss men to serve at the Vatican, and highlight Switzerland’s enduring connection to the institution and its rich tradition.”
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