VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 06: Vatican Secretary of State cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a Mass for the swearing-in of 34 new recruits of Swiss Guards at the Altar of the Cathedra in St Peter’s Basilica on May 06, 2021 in Vatican City, Vatican. It was on this date, 6 May 1527, almost 500 years ago, that 147 Swiss Guards gave their lives in defence of the Holy Father during the Sack of Rome. Now, each year on the anniversary, new recruits are sworn in, taking an oath of loyalty to serve the reigning Pontiff and his successors, even to the point of sacrificing their lives. It is the second year the event will take place without an audience, in accordance with current protection regulations to avoid infection due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
