TO SWISS GUARDS: LIVE YOUR MISSION FULLY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 6, 2002 (VIS) - At midday today in the Clementine Hall, the Pope received the officers and 28 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard accompanied by their families and friends. The new guards will take the oath this afternoon.

In his address in German, Italian and French, the Holy Father expressed his hope that, "despite the difficulties and inconveniences of the service, you will live this time of mission as an opportunity to deepen your faith and your link with the Church, and as an experience of friendship among yourselves. Look to one another for support in your daily work and for mutual enrichment."

"Dear recruits," he affirmed, "never forget to live the reliable service you give to the Holy See as 'soldiers of the Pope,' as a mission with which the Lord Himself entrusts you. Take advantage of the time you spend here in Rome, at the center of the Church, to grow in friendship with Christ and to march towards the goal of all true Christian life: holiness."

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