The Pontifical Swiss Guard received 23 new recruits at a swearing-in ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday.
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Viola Amherd, Defence Minister and Vice-President of Switzerland, attended the ceremony and held talks with Pope Francis and Commander of the Guard, Christoph Graf.
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The Swiss soldiers guarding the pope
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“To be a Swiss Guard is a vocation. You need faith and deep conviction to follow this extraordinary and noble commitment,” says Colonel Christoph Graf, commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, which was formed in 1506 by Pope Julius II. This year, 23 new recruits will take the oath in the Vatican. May 6 commemorates…
The CHF45 million ($50 million) modernisation of three 19th-century buildings that house the Papal Guard and its administrative headquarters is expected to start in 2026.
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Switzerland’s cautious relationship with the Vatican
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Switzerland appointed its first diplomatic representative to the Holy See only 30 years ago. Bern now wants to open an embassy in the Vatican.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
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Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
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On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
Swiss LGTBIQ helpline: attacks more than doubled in 2023
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Three organisations jointly operating a helpline have called for more awareness, action and funding to address discrimination.
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Switzerland's economy grew slightly at the start of 2024, with growth in the service sector contrasting with weak growth in industry.
Swiss employment rate rises in first quarter of 2024
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The number of women and foreign nationals in employment increased particularly strongly, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday.
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