A look at Swiss Guards preparing for a swearing-in ceremony attended by the Pope, in photos

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 27 new Swiss Guards. The event took place Saturday at the Apostolic Palace. It’s the first time a pope has presided since 1968.

The Swiss Guards, known for their colorful uniforms, pledged to defend the pope with their lives. The corps is on a publicity campaign, showing off new uniforms and planning a fundraising push to renovate their barracks.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.