Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On the occasion of the next World Youth Day to be held in August in Madrid, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will be greeted by a special group of bodyguards: 60 children, dressed in the traditional uniform of the Swiss Guards. The group is nicknamed "Young Swiss Guards". In an interview with the Director of this young group he reported that the group of small Swiss Guards was born out of affection for the Pope, in particular for John Paul II during his first visit to Spain in 1982. The Blessed John Paul II visited the country again in 1993 and 2003, always accompanied by the young Swiss Guards.
The Swiss Guards are responsible for the Pope’s safety. One hundred and ten of them guard his home and assist him during important ceremonies that are celebrated in the Vatican. It will be different for WYD, when Benedict XVI arrives in Spain, the security service will increase and will be helped by the special guard of these young Swiss Guards. To make the uniforms more than 450 meters of fabric and 4200 meters of fabric tape were used, all for about 5 thousand hours of work. The group will welcome the Pope at the airport in Barajas, and will be there to greet him even at the end of World Youth Day. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 07/28/2011)
