The swearing-in took place in a courtyard inside the Vatican in the presence of Swiss and Vatican dignitaries, including German Archbishop and Prefect of the Papal Household Georg Gaenswein.
The recruits were read out an oath by their chaplain: “I swear to serve faithfully, loyally and honourably the reigning Pontiff, Francis, and his legitimate successors, to dedicate myself to their defence with all my forces, sacrificing if necessary, even by life.”
The solemn ceremony takes place annually on May 6, to mark the day of the year 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards died while protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome by German-Spanish troops.
There are currently about 110 Swiss Guards, but their commander Christoph Graf said on Friday that there are plans to swell their ranks to up to 135.
The guards, who are Pope Francis’s personal security force, are also due to replace their metal helmets with a plastic version made with 3D printers, Graf announced.
Compared to the old metal ones, the new helmets are lighter – hence more comfortable for the soldiers – and, at around €880 ($1,050), cost half as much.
The helmets, decorated with ostrich plumes, are embossed with the coat of arms of Julius II, the so-called “warrior pope” of the Renaissance who founded the corps in 1506.
About 40 plastic helmets have been manufactured, but they will only be put into service once private sponsors are found to produce more, the Vatican News website said.
Francis did not take part in yesterday’s ceremony, but meeting the new recruits and their colleagues on Friday, he warned them that “a Swiss Guard is always a Swiss Guard, both on and off duty”.
The guards are immediately recognisable by their Renaissance-style uniforms in blue, red and yellow, which are said to have been inspired by Raphael’s frescoes.
The corps only admits male Swiss nationals who are unmarried, practising Catholics, aged 19-30, and at least 1.74m tall.
Recruits can leave after minimum two years’ service.