Vatican swears in new recruits for elite Swiss Guard

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard stand at attention during the swearing in ceremony for new members at the Cortile di San Damaso.

All photos taken on May 6, 2014.

Vatican City, Vatican

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard march at the swearing in ceremony for new members.

The swearing in ceremony is held on May 6 every year to commemorate the 147 halberdiers who died defending the pope in 1527.

Archbishop of Sydney cardinal George Pell, cardinal James M. Harvey and cardinal Marc Ouellet attend the swearing in ceremony.

A view of the Cortile di San Damaso during the swearing in ceremony.

A new recruit raises three fingers in the sign of the trinity at a swearing in ceremony.

A new recruit raises three fingers in the sign of the trinity at a swearing in ceremony.

A new recruit raises three fingers in the sign of the trinity at a swearing in ceremony.

A new recruit raises three fingers in the sign of the trinity at a swearing in ceremony.

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard stand at attention.

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard march at the swearing in ceremony.

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard stand at attention.

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard march at the swearing in ceremony.

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard stand at attention.

New recruits of the Vatican's elite Swiss Guard stand at attention.

Alabardas (the historic weapon of the Swiss guards) are seen during the swearing in ceremony.